Leading independent fuel distributor in the UK, Certas Energy, has launched the country’s first dedicated hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) bunker at Tyseley Energy Park in Birmingham, marking a major step towards cleaner road transport in the country.
The first-of-its-kind bunker, which debuted at the Motor Transport Decarbonisation Summit (23–24 September), represents a significant investment in new tanks and equipment, and demonstrates a scalable model for HVO-only refuelling infrastructure.
Certas Energy’s investment in a HVO-only bunker reflects both market readiness and local need, as 65% of larger HGV fleets with over 100 vehicles are either using or plan to use low-carbon fuels within the next five years, according to the RHA.1
Image: Certas Energy
It will contribute to Birmingham’s ambitious target of a 60% reduction in total CO₂ emissions by 20272, offering hauliers a practical solution with direct access to a renewable, low-carbon alternative to diesel.
The city declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has committed to the target of becoming net zero carbon by 2030,3 by introducing clean air zone charges4 and driver incentives as part of the government-backed #BrumBreaths scheme5.
The Tyseley bunker, which is now open for fleet operators, represents the latest addition to Certas Energy’s expanding national network of more than 15 sites supplying HVO at the pump, helping to make low-emission transport more accessible throughout the UK.
Over the past year alone, the company has supplied 3.2 million litres of HVO to fuel more than 30,000 HGVs across the UK.
Andrew Goodwin, Head of Fuel Cards at Certas Energy, said: “To support the industry in meeting net zero targets, the use of reliable drop-in biofuels like HVO are essential as a medium-term solution, helping to cut carbon emissions by up to 90%.6”
“For example, the adoption of HVO in local authority refuse vehicles and the nearby container railhead present an opportunity to establish an additional HVO supply location and strengthen decarbonisation achievements.
“By investing in the Tyseley Bunker, we’re not just opening a new site, we’re providing a blueprint that can be replicated across the UK’s freight corridors.”
This announcement comes as Certas Energy recently supported a successful HVO trial at DP World, where four hauliers tested both at-the-pump and bulk-delivered refuelling methods. The trial demonstrated that HVO integrates seamlessly into existing fleet operations, offering immediate carbon savings without the need for vehicle modifications.
Certas Energy customers can access this bunker, as well as all others in the network, using their Certas Energy Fuel Card and through the secure, fraud-proof FuelTapp digital platform.
- RHA Net Zero Survey 2025
- ICLEI Europe
- Birmingham Council
- Birmingham Council – Clean Air Zones
- BrumBreathes
- Gov.co.uk
