Green solutions: HVO in the test
SkiStar (Scandinavia) and Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen (Austria) share their experiences with HVO.
Being sustainable as a ski resort doesn’t have to be difficult: The leading Scandinavian ski resort operator SkiStar and the Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen in Austria share their experiences with the use of the renewable fuel HVO. Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is made from waste and residue materials such as recycled vegetable oils and waste animal fats, refined using hydrogen. Compared to conventional diesel, HVO releases fewer greenhouse gas emissions, making it a more sustainable, environmentally friendly option. In our Stage V snow groomers, it can be used instead of, or in combination with conventional diesel.
Sustainability in the test. Before the Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen switched entirely to using HVO for their fleet of 76 vehicles, of which 27 snow groomers, in January 2024, they wanted to be sure it really is a sustainable alternative to conventional diesel. They coordinated a study together with the Graz Technical University, Austria, in 2023 where they compared the CO2 emission of two Leitwolf snow groomers over four months, one fueled with conventional diesel, the other using HVO. Johannes Khinast of the Institute of Process and Particle Engineering of TU Graz about the outcome of the study: “Top performance and an 89% reduction in CO2 emissions, which in my view is a very good contribution to climate protection. So a complete success.”
Easy switch. Due to the design of our latest generation snow groomer engines, the switch from one fuel to the other can be done without any modifications or adaptations. The operation and performance of the groomer is not impacted when using HVO, including winching and tilling. In addition to Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen, SkiStar also highlights its successful transition to fossil-free fuel with ease, as stated by Per Granås: "We opened the fuel caps and filled up with HVO 100. Then it was ready." SkiStar initiated the usage of HVO 100 with 20 snow groomers during the 2015-16 winter season, and by 2019, all 35 vehicles responsible for preparing ski slopes for the Audi FIS Ski World Cup in Åre were using HVO. Currently, SkiStar utilizes the renewable fuel with 72 snow groomers and 300 cars, loaders and excavators.
Buying HVO. One of the key elements to changing a fleet over to HVO is having a reliable fuel source. HVO is becoming more available each year, although in Europe it is still about 5-20 cents per liter more expensive than the conventional fuel. For example Preem, Neste, Eni or Total are selling HVO. To be sure that the HVO fuel is a high-quality product it has to meet the international EN 15940 in Europe and ASTM D975 standard in the US.
Performance as usual. Another example of Prinoth snow groomers preparing perfect slopes with HVO fuel, was demonstrated at the world renowned Schladming Ski Alpine Night Race on the Planai in January 2024. Despite the difficult, rainy weather conditions the slope was prepared well for the race. “The best thing is when a high starting number is still there in the second round. Then you can see that the whole thing works.”, says Wolfgang Perhab, Deputy Slope Manager & Fleet Manager at Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen.
