The UK government last week launched a consultation on whether and how to introduce E10 petrol, which contains up to 10% bioethanol, to the domestic market.

The consultation, which will run till September 16, follows changes to the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO), made earlier this year, that requires fuel suppliers to raise the use of renewable fuels from 4.75% currently to 9.75% by 2020 and 12.4% by 2032. To meet the targets, fuel suppliers could opt to increase the share of bioethanol in petrol from the current 5% up to 10%, the government noted.

"This government is ambitiously seeking to reduce the UK’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions from transport," said transport minister Jesse Norman. "But drivers of older vehicles should not be hit hard in the pocket as a result," he added.

According to the announcement, E10 could be unsuitable for around one million cars in the UK.

 

Article by Renewables Now: UK govt consults on rolling out E10