Motorists across the UK are set to shift to a greener fuel with the introduction of E10 at petrol stations in September 2021.
E10 fuel is a mixture of petrol and ethanol made from materials including low-grade grains, sugars and waste wood.
According to the UK Department for Transport (DfT), the introduction of E10 on UK roads could cut transport carbon dioxide emissions by 750,000 tonnes a year.
It will also result in job opportunities in the north east of England, securing up to 100 jobs with the reopening of AB Sugar’s Vivergo plant, and increasing production at existing biofuel plants including Ensus.
UK transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “Although more and more motorists are driving electric vehicles, there are steps we can take to reduce emissions from the millions of vehicles already on our roads – the small switch to E10 petrol will help drivers across the country reduce the environmental impact of every journey, as we build back greener.”
The two petrol blends that are currently widely available in the UK contain no more than 5% ethanol, known as E5; the fuel being rolled out in September has up to 10%.
Using bioethanol in place of conventional petrol can reduce CO2 emissions and, therefore, increasing the ethanol content of petrol could help the UK meet its climate change targets, said the DfT.
A small number of older vehicles, including classic cars and some from the early 2000s, will continue to need E5 fuel, which is why supplies of E5 petrol will be maintained in the ‘Super’ grade.
The DffT has advised motorists to use a new E10 compatibility checker to see if their vehicle is compatible.
