Basic test on the A59: Environmentally friendly progress with HVO!

Basic test on the A59: Environmentally friendly progress with HVO!

On May 7, 2025, the implementation of important building basic investigations on the A59 in the Duisburg Cross and Duisburg-Nord began. A total of six sample piles are incorporated into different layers of soil. The aim of this measure is to examine the load -bearing capacity and the setting behavior of the underground. The data generated is used to design and interpret the founding system of a future bridge. The stress attempts include both vertical and horizontal power effects in order to gain extensive insights over the stability of the building. The work is expected to be completed by the end of August 2025.

As part of this construction work, special importance is placed on sustainable materials. Hydotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is used as a synthetic fuel for the machines. HVO is made from vegetable waste oils and animal fats and offers a promising, sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels. SuperTipp-online.de emphasizes that HVO can cause less CO2 emissions compared to traditional diesel closed CO2 cycle is supported. The entire device park of Züblin Spezialtiefbau GmbH, which is responsible for the construction work, has been operated exclusively with HVO since construction started on February 24, 2025.

sustainability in focus

The efforts to sustainable drive systems are not only limited to the construction sector, but also run through various industries in Germany. Deutsche Bahn is also actively checking the potential of alternative fuels. HVO is tested in particular in their goods, regional and long-distance trains to improve the CO2 balance. sustainability.deutschebahn.com reports that DB Cargo conventional diesel engines, such as the locomotives of the series 261, are comprehensively examined.

About testing tests for revisioned engines, such as the MTU 8V 4000 R43, the performance characteristics and exhaust emissions are determined compared to conventional diesel. It is interesting that HVO is also used in the DB Regio area, which is responsible for local rail passenger transport, to reduce the environmental impact. In 2020, test bench trials with the older MTU 6H 1800 R82 engine were carried out to test the usability of HVO.

critical perspectives on Hvo

The use of HVO, especially in mobility, is not to be viewed uncritically. vision-mobility.de emphasizes that HVO100 promises short-term CO2 reductions, but long-term solutions remain questionable. The market currently does not have enough raw materials to make significant progress. The CO2 reduction of up to 90 percent only applies if HVO is produced from old oils or fats. The use of fresh vegetable oils does not lead to the same savings.

In addition, the overall balance sheet must also take into account the numerous other uses of waste oils, which may offer larger savings. The hydrate technology for HVO production is expensive and was originally developed for the processing of palm oil. The need for biogenic old oils in other industries is high, which can lead to a potential conflict in terms of resource use.