E10 fuel – an eco-friendly blend of petrol and ethanol that could cut transport CO2 emissions by 750,000t/year – is set to be available by Sept 2021, with the announcement heralded as ‘good news’ for farmers. Charlotte Cunningham reports.
Following a consultation with drivers and industry, the introduction of E10 fuel, which is a mixture of petrol and ethanol made from materials including low-grade grains, sugars and waste wood, will boost the government’s ambitions to reach net zero by 2050.
Its introduction on UK roads could cut transport carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 750,000 tonnes/year – the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road, or all the cars in North Yorks.
“We’re going further and faster than ever to cut emissions from our roads, cleaning up our air as we accelerate towards a zero-emission transport future,” said transport secretary, Grant Shapps.
“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.”
NFU response
Responding to the government announcement, NFU crops board chairman Matt Culley said: “The NFU has long been calling for the government to authorise E10 fuel and it is great to hear that it will start to be available at UK forecourts from Sept.
“Not only will this mandate provide a boost for the UK wheat and sugar sectors, it will play an important and immediate role in delivering the government’s green agenda, especially as it may be some years before we are able to make a countrywide shift to fully electric vehicles.
“E10 is a great example of how investment in farming and the rural economy can benefit the whole country. British growers have the ability to deliver more renewable fuel for the nation, alongside continuing to produce the country’s larder staples, and we should do all we can to maximise that potential to help drive green growth across the economy.”
