The local authority is looking to switch the majority of their vans from diesel to HVO. This follows the adoption of the alternative fuel for two of the council’s waste collection trucks last year.

Portsmouth council’s estate services team is working on the trial with Biffa, which has enabled them to re-fuel at the waste collection specialist’s depot in Anchorage Park. As it progresses, the team aim to expand the trial by working to deliver and store their own HVO supply.

Made from 100% renewable raw materials like fat, waste vegetables and other oils, HVO is a synthetic fuel with an identical chemical composition to diesel, making it readily compatible with the team’s vans.

HVO is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by over 90% and other harmful pollutants by over 80% in the trial vehicles.

Cllr Darren Sanders, cabinet member for Housing and Preventing Homelessness, said: ‘Our initiative with Biffa is already yielding positive results and we’re proud to be showing that switching to greener fuel alternatives doesn’t need to be complicated.

‘HVO is an excellent option for reducing our fleet’s emissions and helping clean up the city’s air while we clean the city’s streets. It’s a great way to meet our environmental goals and we will continue to innovate in this area.’