GVZ tests use of alternative fuel

GVZ is testing the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a fuel for fire engines in a pilot project. "From today, Schutz & Rettung Zürich, the Kloten and Wallisellen fire departments, the Männedorf-Uetikon fire department and the St. Gallen professional fire department will be refueling some of their vehicles with HVO," GVZ announced in a press release. The five fire departments are particularly suitable for participating in the project as they have their own refueling systems.

"We would like to thank the five fire departments for their participation in this promising project and look forward to the initial results," said Renato Mathys, Head of Fire Services at GVZ, in the press release. "Our aim is to make a contribution to improving the environmental footprint of fire engines." GVZ has procured a total of 28,000 liters of HVO for the pilot project. It is also paying the difference between the price of the fossil-free fuel and the current price of diesel.

According to the press release, hydrogenated vegetable oil has a significantly better carbon footprint than diesel and also scores points for its high energy density and storage stability. As the biofuel is produced from used cooking oils and fats, its production is not at the expense of food production.

GVZ cites its uncomplicated use as a further advantage: "Diesel engines do not have to be expensively converted, but can be operated and maintained according to the same plan as when running on diesel fuel." ce/hs