Data Center Generator Fuel: Diesel vs HVO vs Gas
A deep comparison of diesel, HVO (renewable diesel) and gas for data center backup — start, emissions, carbon, supply and GDCR fit.
Diesel is the default for instant start and energy density. HVO (renewable diesel) is a drop-in low-carbon alternative — up to ~90% lifecycle CO₂ reduction with no engine change — and fits Singapore's GDCR. Gas offers lower emissions but slower start and pipeline dependence. Most standby fleets run diesel or HVO; batteries (BESS) increasingly pair with them.
Fuel comparison
| Fuel | Start | Emissions | Lifecycle carbon | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel | Instant | EPA/Stage options | Baseline | Energy-dense, proven, simple storage |
| HVO | Instant | Lower NOx/PM | Up to ~90% lower CO₂ | Drop-in renewable, no engine change — GDCR fit |
| Gas | Slower | Lower | Lower (vs diesel) | Pipeline dependence; less common for standby |
Why HVO is winning in Singapore
HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) is a drop-in renewable diesel — it runs in existing engines with no modification and cuts lifecycle CO₂ by up to ~90%. Under Singapore's Green Data Centre Roadmap, that carbon cut is the priority, making HVO the practical low-carbon path for backup power. The ASO scs-series is HVO-compatible.
Where BESS fits
Batteries (BESS) and gensets are increasingly paired, not chosen one-or-the-other: BESS covers the sub-second to minute range and shaves peaks, while the generator carries sustained outages. ASO supports genset-plus-storage configurations.
See the full technical overview, Tier table and sizing tool.
Read the Data Center Generators hub →Data center generator fuel FAQs
Is HVO better than diesel for data centers?
HVO is a drop-in renewable diesel that cuts lifecycle CO₂ by up to ~90% with no engine change. It costs more per litre but is the practical low-carbon path, especially under Singapore's GDCR.
Do data centers use gas generators?
Gas offers lower emissions but slower start and pipeline dependence, so it's less common for standby; diesel and HVO dominate.
Can I switch my diesel generator to HVO?
Yes — HVO is a drop-in fuel that runs in existing diesel engines without modification, including the ASO scs-series.
How much carbon does HVO save?
Up to around 90% lifecycle CO₂ reduction versus fossil diesel, depending on feedstock and supply chain.
How do batteries work with generators?
BESS covers the sub-second to minute range and shaves peaks; the generator carries sustained outages — a hybrid approach.
Choose the right fuel for your data center
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