Unveiled on August 28, 2024, the engine was built locally in Tullow by HPMP Fire Ltd over six months. It stands as Ireland’s first emergency service vehicle powered by HVO and aligns with Carlow County Council’s Climate Action Plan, which seeks to cut county emissions by 51% and improve public sector energy efficiency by 50% by 2030.

Preliminary testing of the vehicle’s new features began upon its arrival in Carlow town in July, with training scheduled for early September.

This innovative project was entirely funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management’s Fire Service Capital Programme.

In addition to being powered by green fuel, the vehicle is solar-powered and equipped with intelligent software, which will reduce its carbon footprint by 95% compared to diesel engines. Despite its eco-friendly design, the engine’s speed, acceleration, and overall performance match that of a conventional diesel-powered vehicle. It can carry six crew members and will initially be stationed at Carlow Fire Station.

“We are incredibly proud to introduce this next-generation climate-friendly fire engine, a world first,” said Chief Fire Officer Liam Carroll. “Carlow Fire Station handles approximately 350 emergency incidents annually, and it’s exciting to contribute to the community through climate action.”

Last year, the fire service collaborated with HPMP Ltd and Acetech Global (Tullamore) to design, develop, and deliver the greenest fire appliance in Ireland. HVO, a green fuel made from renewable waste food oils and animal fats, is biodegradable and can reduce emissions by up to 90%.


The vehicle also includes several innovative features to minimize fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Solar panels on the roof power auxiliary batteries, which in turn power the blue lights and charge tools used in road traffic collisions. Cloud-based software allows fire officers to monitor fuel usage, carbon output, and cost savings in real-time, ensuring optimal performance.

Additionally, the vehicle’s intelligent system tracks and manages battery levels and aggregates data on water and foam usage at fire scenes, helping to reduce waste. A critical safety feature is the Vehicle-to-Vehicle Digital Alerting system, which warns other road users of the fire engine’s presence, providing them with more time to react and ensure safety at the scene.

“Carlow County Fire Service has long been a leader in creating innovative carbon-saving solutions,” Mr. Carroll added. “Firefighting is inherently dangerous, with firefighters risking their lives daily to protect the public. This new fire engine not only fights climate change and enhances our service standards but also makes the vital work of firefighters safer.”