Research commissioned by Olleco was released today highlighting that increased levels of ethanol in petrol (known as E10) will result in drivers needing more fuel to travel the same distance. This extra fuel requirement will increase costs for the average driver by £80 per year compared to using straight petrol.
Ethanol is added to petrol as part of the Renewable Fuel Transport Obligation (RTFO) which requires fuel suppliers to blend 5% of renewable fuel into the fuel they supply. Under the terms of the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED) this is set to increase to 10% by 2020.
The report which was written by Rob Bailey of Chatham House shows that not only is ethanol a more expensive option for the UK, it only provides a carbon saving of 53% compared to 83% carbon saving from biodiesel made from used cooking oil.
The findings are to be formally presented at an event we are running at the Houses of Commons later today.
Please click on the links below for today’s media coverage:
Daily Mail EU's 'green' petrol will drive up prices by the end of the year and could damage your car
Biofuels International New report calls for renewed cooking oil focus for petrol
Daily Telegraph New ‘green’ petrol could drive up prices and damage cars
Reuters UK should rely less on ethanol for transport biofuels
Daily Express EU approved ‘green’ petrol could drive up prices and leave cars damaged