Pilot Project In PillerseeTal: HVO100 - Turning Waste Into Fuel

The public line and ski bus transport in the PillerseeTal run by the Dödlinger Touristik company has been running on the biofuel HVO100 since the beginning of the winter season. The fossil-free diesel reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent.

At the beginning of the 2023/24 winter season, a pilot project started in PillerseeTal that is testing the new fuel HVO100 for the first time in Tyrol from the perspective of a bus operator. The way for this was paved by the Verkehrsverbund Tirol (VVT), which will cover the additional costs compared to the usual use of diesel during the one-year test phase. VVT Managing Director Alexander Jug: “HVO100 is scientifically proven to be a low-emission alternative to conventional diesel, which is why it is already being used in many European bus transport today. I am very pleased that Dödlinger Touristik, as a pioneer in Tyrol, is setting a clear example for innovation and the environment by converting the entire fleet to the environmentally friendly fuel HVO100 for the first time. Now we want to gain concrete experience in the company together with Dödlinger Touristik. The electrification of all Tyrolean bus transport remains our primary goal by 2035. HVO100 can act as a bridge technology here.”

Renewable fuel from natural waste

The diesel substitute HVO100 (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) is a renewable fuel that is made from natural waste, fats, vegetable residues and vegetable oils. Only renewable, organic raw materials are used. The use of palm oil is prohibited. The vegetable oil is cleaned, treated with hydrogen at high temperatures and thus made usable as fuel.

Compared to fossil diesel, this can demonstrably save up to 90 percent of CO2 emissions. HVO100 also reduces local emissions - 33 percent less fine dust, nine percent less nitrogen oxide, 30 percent less hydrocarbon and 24 percent less carbon monoxide are released. HVO100 therefore represents a promising alternative to electromobility, especially in rural areas - but should not be confused with the very energy-intensive e-fuels.

Next stop: mobility transition

In addition, HVO100 delivers the same performance as fossil diesel and can be used immediately without any conversion or adjustment. According to Christina Brunner, managing director of Dödlinger Touristik GmbH, the additional costs incurred in travel are consciously accepted: “Our company is not only the first travel agency and bus company in western Austria to be awarded the Austrian eco-label, but also relies on the exclusive use of HVO100 is another important step towards the mobility transition.”

HVO100 also in use in ski areas

The more environmentally friendly fuel HVO100 has also found its way into the mountain railways in Fieberbrunn. Since this winter season, 25% of the annual fuel consumption required for slope preparation has already been covered with HVO100. “In the next few years, we would like to convert our entire fleet of snow groomers to HVO100 and thereby set a good example in our industry,” says Hannes Jurescha, Head of Fleet & Slope Preparation, Bergbahnen Fieberbrunn.

TVB pursues climate goals

The PillerseeTal Tourism Association welcomes these projects in order to set another milestone towards a pioneering role in sustainable tourism - a strong signal for environmental protection and resource conservation in the region. “Together with all five communities in the PillerseeTal, we are constantly working on achieving the Austrian Ecolabel certification for destinations. “A significant emphasis is placed on mobility,” explains managing director Daniela Resch.