Pure Plant Oil
How is it made?
Pure Plant Oil (PPO; also known as SVO or Straight Vegetable Oil) is just what it says: neat oil derived from crops such as rapeseed, palm or nuts by crushing and filtering1.
How can I use it?
PPO is too viscous to be used in a standard engine, but can be used in a car designed to run on diesel with suitable modifications. Normally, a heater is added on the fuel line, which reduces the viscosity. This procedure costs around £5002. Manufacturers do not currently cover the use of PPO in their warranties3, so we do not recommend this for new cars.
Where can I buy it?
There is no refuelling network for PPO in Britain, but it is available from specialist suppliers. Note that it is illegal to use vegetable oil in your vehicle unless road fuel duty is paid on it4.
1 Source: Energy Saving Trust (2006), Pure Plant Oils.
2 Source: Marches Energy Agency (2005), The Opportunities From Liquid Biofuels: A Practical Guide For Arable Farmers and Rural Businesses in the English Marches.
3 Source: Energy Saving Trust (2006), Pure Plant Oils.
4 Source: Renewable Energy Association (2005), Frequently Asked Questions.