More than 51,000kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions were saved at this year's Great British Farm Fest after organisers used Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in place of conventional diesel, according to fuel supplier Certas Energy.
The company supplied 19,775 litres of HVO during the three-day event at NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire, including 14,991 litres to power generators and a further 4784 litres for tractors and machinery operating across the site.
Certas Energy estimates the switch resulted in a reduction of approximately 51,056kg of CO2e emissions compared with standard diesel.
More than 60,000 people attended the festival, which featured appearances from Jeremy Clarkson, Lisa Hogan, Kaleb Cooper, Charlie Ireland and Adam Henson, alongside live music, machinery displays and farming demonstrations.
HVO, which is produced from renewable waste-based feedstocks, is increasingly being used as an alternative to red and white diesel.
It can typically be used in existing diesel engines without modification and has been promoted as a way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while lowering pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
Farming influencer and Certas Energy ambassador Olly Harrison said the event demonstrated the practical role alternative fuels could play within agriculture.
"It’s been brilliant to see The Great British Farm Fest come to life and bring the farming community together in such a big way. I’m really proud to have played my part," he said.
"Seeing the event powered by HVO from Certas Energy really brings home just how practical and impactful switching from diesel can be.
"Many think that switching to HVO means you need to do it overnight, but it doesn’t have to be a case of all or nothing. Even transitioning one vehicle at a time can make a world of difference."
Leigh Claridge, head of sales at Certas Energy, said the event provided an opportunity to engage directly with farmers and rural businesses about the challenges facing the sector.
"This weekend has been a wonderful experience. We welcomed a great mix of visitors to our stand, from children and young families to farmers and corporate organisations that are looking for solutions to their challenges," he said.
"Our super knowledgeable, super engaged team were on hand throughout the three-day event to answer customers’ burning questions and help them to break down some of the challenges they are facing. We felt incredibly proud to be able to help our farming and business customers to navigate these.
"As an energy transition partner, we’re committed to guiding our customers at every stage of their transition journey, whether we’re supplying them with solar panels to ensure their farm runs as efficiently as possible, or supplying the HVO that powers a company’s fleet, even if they’re transitioning to HVO one vehicle at a time.
"We’re proud to support our customers and help them to achieve their commercial and sustainability goals not only today, but also into the future.
"It has been a pleasure to support The Great British Farm Fest and of course, play a part in supporting many of the farming business owners who attended over the three days."
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