The National Farmers’ Union (NFU), has responded to the government announcement that the rollout of E10 biofuel will begin from September 2021.
E10 is a biofuel made up of 90% regular unleaded fuel and 10% bioethanol.
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 September.
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,” he concluded.
What is E10 biofuel?
Unleaded petrol currently contains up to 5% bioethanol, a grade known as E5, whereas E10 petrol contains up to 10% bioethanol and is not currently available.
The UK government has concluded a consolation on the following points:
- Proposing introducing E10 petrol as the 95-octane ‘premium’ grade;
- Proposing ensuring the ongoing availability of E5 petrol in the higher-octane ‘super’ grade only;
- Proposing amending the mandatory labelling of E10 petrol;
- Launching a call for evidence on future transport biofuels policy.
The government said that E10 biofuel will reduce CO2 emissions from petrol vehicles and could help the UK meet emissions reduction targets.
