Driving decarbonisation with Syntech biofuel

Alternative fuels have been identified as key to our Scope 1 and 2 Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validated carbon reduction pathway and are important in our ability to reduce emissions now whilst preparing for low-carbon plant options to become more widely available and feasible for use at scale. 

Working with our strategic plant hire partners and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), we have been trialling a sustainable biofuel produced by Syntech.  

Syntech biofuel is a truly sustainable alternative to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel as it is produced in the UK and 100% sourced from UK waste cooking oil. It can be used as a 100% drop-in replacement for diesel engines, with the manufacturer’s agreement, resulting in an 80 – 90% reduction in carbon emissions. It can also be blended with diesel to support emissions reductions.

We have agreements to use the biofuel with several OEMs and suppliers and have an established framework volume, price and warranty arrangement for Balfour Beatty and associated supply chain use.  

Balfour Beatty co-funded a deep dive into HVO in 2024, and following the publication of the report in June we reviewed and updated our position statement on HVO. Our position remains that we have chosen not to promote HVO use at this time.