Biodiesel filling stations in the UK are more complicated than a simple “nearest pump” search. Most standard diesel sold at UK forecourts is already a low-blend biodiesel fuel, usually labelled B7, meaning it can contain up to 7% biodiesel. However, higher-blend biodiesel such as B20, B30 or B100 is much less commonly available at normal public filling stations and is mainly supplied to commercial fleets, depots and bulk fuel users.
For businesses searching for “biodiesel filling stations near me”, the most practical alternatives are usually HVO fuel stations, renewable diesel pumps, fuel card networks, or bulk biodiesel deliveryrather than conventional public petrol station forecourts.
What is a biodiesel filling station?
A biodiesel filling station is any site where diesel vehicles can refuel with fuel containing a biodiesel or renewable diesel component. In the UK, this can mean several different things:
| Fuel type | What it means | Typical UK availability |
|---|---|---|
| B7 diesel | Standard diesel containing up to 7% biodiesel | Widely available at normal forecourts |
| B20 or B30 biodiesel | Diesel blended with 20% or 30% FAME biodiesel | Mostly fleet, depot or specialist supply |
| B100 biodiesel | Pure biodiesel, usually FAME meeting EN 14214 | Mainly bulk supply, specialist use and approved vehicles |
| HVO100 | Renewable diesel made by hydrotreating oils and fats; not the same as FAME biodiesel | Increasingly available through fuel cards and HGV refuelling sites |
| 25% renewable diesel blends | Conventional diesel blended with a larger renewable component | Available at selected branded stations |
This distinction matters because many people use “biodiesel” as a catch-all phrase, but FAME biodiesel and HVO renewable diesel are not the same fuel. FAME biodiesel must meet the EN 14214 specification, while HVO is normally sold as a paraffinic renewable diesel meeting EN 15940.
Are there public biodiesel filling stations in the UK?
There are very few public filling stations in the UK selling pure B100 biodiesel to ordinary motorists. Most cars, vans and HGVs using public forecourts are instead buying B7 diesel, which is the standard UK diesel grade and can include up to 7% biodiesel.
For higher renewable fuel content, the market has shifted more towards HVO and renewable diesel rather than traditional B100 biodiesel. The Department for Transport’s final 2024 RTFO statistics show biodiesel supply fell from 1,450 million litres equivalent in 2023 to 841 million litres equivalent in 2024, while HVO rose to 784 million litres equivalent in 2024, up from 502 million litres equivalent in 2023.
Where can you buy biodiesel or renewable diesel in the UK?
For businesses, the most useful places to look are fuel card networks, HGV bunkering sites, specialist renewable fuel suppliers and bulk fuel distributors. UK Fuels says its network covers more than 4,500 fuel stations, including over 900 HGV-accessible sites and more than 50 HVO sites.
HVO can be bought at more than 13 UK roadside refuelling sites using a Certas Energy fuel card. The company markets HVO as a drop-in fuel that can reduce net lifecycle CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared with standard diesel.
Examples of HVO refuelling locations include sites in Antrim, Belfast, Boston, Bridgwater, Bristol, Burnley, Cannock, Castleford, Chesterfield, Chippenham, Felixstowe, Forfar, Goole, Grays, Huntingdon, Immingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Newark, Portsmouth, Reading, Sheffield, Southampton, Stafford, Swindon and Wrexham.
Examples of UK biodiesel and renewable diesel refuelling options
| Supplier or network | Fuel option | Availability | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal UK forecourts | B7 diesel | Widely available nationwide | Cars, vans and general diesel users |
| UK Fuels network | HVO at selected sites | More than 50 HVO sites reported by UK Fuels | Fleets, HGVs, vans and commercial drivers |
| Certas Energy | HVO at selected refuelling sites | More than 13 HVO refuelling sites | Fleet card users and HGV operators |
| Esso | Ethos+ 25% Renewable Diesel | Selected Esso stations in South East England | Drivers wanting a higher renewable diesel blend without vehicle changes |
| Specialist fuel suppliers | B100, B20, B30 and HVO | Usually bulk delivery or depot supply | Fleets, plant, construction, agriculture and logistics |
| On-site depot tanks | Biodiesel or HVO | Installed and managed by fuel supplier | High-mileage fleets with predictable usage |
Esso’s Ethos+ 25% Renewable Diesel is currently offered at selected Esso stations in South East England and includes 25% premium renewable content, with Esso stating a 15% lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions figure than its conventional diesel.
Biodiesel vs HVO filling stations
For many UK businesses, the most realistic “biodiesel filling station” search now leads to HVO stations rather than pure B100 biodiesel. HVO is often preferred because it is closer to conventional diesel in use, has better storage characteristics, and is more widely accepted as a drop-in replacement in modern diesel fleets.
| Factor | Biodiesel, FAME, B100 | HVO renewable diesel |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel standard | EN 14214 for B100 biodiesel | EN 15940 for paraffinic diesel |
| Common UK pump availability | Limited outside specialist or bulk supply | Increasing through fleet and HGV networks |
| Use in standard diesel | B7 is already common | Often sold as HVO100 or renewable diesel blend |
| Vehicle compatibility | Needs manufacturer approval for high blends | Often suitable as a drop-in fuel where EN 15940 is approved |
| Storage | More sensitive to water, temperature and ageing | Generally better storage stability |
| Typical users | Fleets with approved vehicles, depot users | HGVs, construction, councils, logistics, generators and commercial fleets |
Scania states that HVO refined to EN15940 can be used in any Euro 6 Scania diesel engine without adaptations, while its guidance says FAME biodiesel blends above B10 require fuel-system adaptations and more frequent servicing.
DAF’s B100 biodiesel guidance also highlights practical storage requirements, including avoiding high ambient temperatures, low temperatures that could affect pumpability, and storage for more than three months.
How much does biodiesel cost at UK filling stations?
For normal motorists buying standard B7 diesel, there is no separate biodiesel pump price because the biodiesel component is already blended into regular diesel. For HVO, B20, B30 or B100, prices are usually quoted by suppliers and fuel card providers rather than shown on mainstream pump price boards.
As a broad market guide, HVO is typically more expensive than standard diesel. HVO commonly costs around 10% to 20% more per litre than conventional diesel, although the actual price depends on volume, contract terms and market conditions.
For fleet users, the cost comparison should include more than the pump price. HVO or biodiesel may help with emissions reporting, customer tender requirements, ESG targets, clean-air policies and internal carbon reduction goals. The Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme allows fleet operators to receive supply-chain-specific greenhouse gas emissions data for low-carbon fuels such as biodiesel, HVO, biomethane and renewable hydrogen.
How to find a biodiesel filling station near you
The best way to find a UK biodiesel or renewable diesel refuelling site is to search by the specific fuel required rather than using the broad term “biodiesel”. A driver searching for B100 biodiesel will get very different results from a fleet manager searching for HVO100, EN15940 renewable diesel, B20, B30, or fuel card HVO sites.
For commercial vehicles, the easiest route is usually to use a fuel card locator and filter by HVO or alternative fuel availability. UK Fuels, Keyfuels, Certas Energy and similar networks are more useful for this than consumer petrol station comparison tools, because many renewable diesel sites are aimed at HGVs, depots and business fleets rather than private motorists.
Before switching, businesses should check:
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Vehicle manufacturer approval | High biodiesel blends may affect warranty, servicing and fuel-system requirements |
| Fuel standard | B100 should meet EN 14214; HVO should normally meet EN 15940 |
| Storage requirements | B100 can be more sensitive to water, temperature and long storage periods |
| Fuel card acceptance | Some HVO pumps are only available through specific business fuel cards |
| Site access | Some HVO locations are HGV-only, port-based, truckstop-based or restricted |
| Sustainability evidence | RFAS, RTFO and supplier declarations help support carbon reporting |
| Price mechanism | HVO and biodiesel may be priced weekly, by contract, by delivery volume or by card network |
Are biodiesel filling stations suitable for cars?
Most diesel cars can use normal UK B7 diesel without any special action. That is the diesel already sold at regular forecourts. However, private motorists should be cautious about using high-blend biodiesel or HVO unless the vehicle handbook or manufacturer confirms compatibility.
B100 biodiesel is not a universal replacement for diesel in ordinary cars. It may require compatible seals, filters, fuel lines, servicing intervals and cold-weather management. HVO is more often described as a drop-in diesel alternative, but it should still be checked against the manufacturer’s fuel approval list, especially for cars under warranty.
Are biodiesel filling stations suitable for HGV fleets?
HGV fleets are the strongest market for UK biodiesel and renewable diesel refuelling. This is because commercial operators can control vehicle choice, fuel cards, depot tanks, route planning, maintenance schedules and fuel quality.
A fleet may choose:
- B7 diesel for maximum availability and no operational change
- HVO100 for a faster reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions without replacing vehicles
- B20 or B30 biodiesel where vehicles and warranties allow
- B100 biodiesel for specialist approved applications
- Depot-based bulk supply where public station coverage is not adequate
For large fleets, on-site storage can be more practical than relying on public biodiesel filling stations. It can also make pricing, reporting and fuel quality easier to manage.
Advantages of using biodiesel or renewable diesel
Biodiesel and renewable diesel can help businesses reduce the carbon intensity of existing diesel operations without immediately replacing every vehicle. This is particularly useful for HGVs, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, backup generators, local authority fleets and other applications where electrification is difficult or expensive.
The main benefits are:
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Lower lifecycle emissions | Waste-derived biodiesel and HVO can reduce net greenhouse gas emissions compared with fossil diesel |
| Existing vehicle use | Some renewable diesel options can be used in approved diesel engines |
| Faster transition | Businesses can cut fuel-related emissions before replacing vehicles |
| Fleet reporting | Certified renewable fuel data can support sustainability reports and tenders |
| Less infrastructure change | HVO in particular may avoid the need for chargers, grid upgrades or new vehicles |
| Useful for heavy-duty use | HGVs and plant can be difficult to electrify in the short term |
Disadvantages and limitations
The main limitation is availability. The UK does not have a broad consumer network of B100 biodiesel filling stations, and many HVO locations are designed around business fuel cards, HGV sites or depot supply.
Other drawbacks include:
| Limitation | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Higher price | HVO and specialist biodiesel blends can cost more than standard diesel |
| Vehicle compatibility | B100 and higher blends may require manufacturer approval |
| Storage management | B100 can need tighter handling and storage controls |
| Limited public coverage | Renewable fuel stations are not evenly spread across the UK |
| Sustainability scrutiny | Feedstock origin matters, particularly where palm-derived or imported feedstocks are involved |
| Fuel card restrictions | Some pumps may not be open to casual retail customers |
Future of biodiesel filling stations in the UK
The UK biodiesel market is changing. Traditional biodiesel remains important, especially as a blending component in regular diesel, but HVO is becoming more visible for fleets that want a higher renewable content without major operational changes.
Government RTFO data shows a clear shift in renewable diesel supply. Biodiesel volumes fell sharply in 2024, while HVO grew by more than 50% compared with 2023.
For UK businesses, the likely direction is not a large national rollout of public B100 biodiesel forecourts, but a growing mix of HVO fuel card sites, truckstop refuelling, port-based bunkering, local authority fleet supply, and bulk renewable fuel delivery.
Conclusion
Biodiesel filling stations in the UK do exist, but not in the same way as petrol, diesel or EV charging networks. For ordinary drivers, biodiesel is mainly encountered through standard B7 diesel, which is already sold widely at UK forecourts. For businesses, the more practical renewable diesel options are usually HVO fuel stations, fuel card networks, or bulk biodiesel supply.
The best choice depends on vehicle type, usage, location, warranty position, emissions targets and refuelling pattern. A small van fleet may simply continue with B7 diesel while planning future electrification, while an HGV, construction or council fleet may find that HVO or bulk biodiesel gives a quicker route to lower reported emissions.
FAQ
There are very few normal public forecourts selling B100 biodiesel in the UK. B100 is usually supplied in bulk to fleets, depots and specialist commercial users rather than private motorists. Most UK drivers buying diesel at a forecourt are buying B7 diesel, which can contain up to 7% biodiesel.
No. HVO is a renewable diesel, while traditional biodiesel is usually FAME. Both can be made from renewable oils and fats, but they are chemically different and follow different fuel standards. HVO is generally closer to conventional diesel in use, while B100 biodiesel has more specific compatibility and storage requirements.
Most diesel cars can use standard UK B7 diesel. Higher biodiesel blends such as B20, B30 or B100 should only be used if the vehicle manufacturer confirms compatibility. Using the wrong fuel could affect performance, servicing requirements or warranty cover.
Many HGVs can use HVO where the engine manufacturer approves EN15940 fuel. However, fleets should check vehicle manuals, warranty conditions and supplier documentation before switching. HVO is increasingly used by logistics, construction and municipal fleets because it can reduce emissions without replacing vehicles.
Not usually at commercial scale when comparing specialist renewable fuels. Standard B7 diesel is priced like normal diesel because it is the mainstream pump fuel. HVO and higher biodiesel blends are often quoted separately and may cost more, although the premium varies with volume, feedstock prices and contract terms.
Businesses should search fuel card networks, HGV site locators and renewable fuel suppliers rather than relying on consumer forecourt apps. Useful search terms include “HVO fuel card sites”, “EN15940 diesel UK”, “B100 biodiesel bulk delivery”, “B20 biodiesel supplier” and “renewable diesel refuelling stations UK”.