E10 petrol rolled out across the nation

E10 fuel has been rolled out across the country today (1 September), with the more renewable grade of petrol being standardised throughout the UK.

E10 is comprised of 10 per cent renewable ethanol, an increase from the E5 petrol used prior which consisted of 5 per cent bio-ethanol. The fuel will be made up of organic waste materials such as low-grade grains, sugars and waste wood.

The Department for Transport (DfT) states that the rollout of E10 fuel will support the increased production of biofuels in bioethanol plants across the northeast of England. Two plants in the region will provide around 200 skilled jobs directly, with the Government asserting that this will also provide support to local workers in the agricultural sector who provide the feed-wheat required to run the plants. The Government also claims that this will bolster both the local and national bioeconomies.

Over 95 per cent of all petrol vehicles will be compatible with E10, according to the DfT, though those who are unable to use the newly standardised grade will still be able to access E5 petrol if needed. The Government also states that the more renewable brand of fuel will not be more expensive than current standard petrol.

Furthermore, E10 fuel has the potential to cut carbon emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year, states the DfT. The DfT suggests that this reduction in emissions will help the UK meet its climate targets in the wake of hosting the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in November.

Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, commented: “Every journey matters as we drive forward the green industrial revolution, which is why the rollout of E10 is so important. It’ll help us cut road greenhouse gas emissions and meet our ambitious net zero targets.

“Although more and more drivers are switching to electric, there are steps we can take today to reduce emissions from the millions of vehicles already on our roads – the small switch to E10 petrol will reduce greenhouse gas emissions as we accelerate towards a greener transport future.”

Edmund King OBE, AA president, said: “This is a positive and simple step to help reduce the carbon impact from road transport. While the vast majority of vehicles will be unaffected by the change, it is important for owners of older cars to use the Government’s vehicle checker to see if they can use E10.

“Even if E10 is put in a non-compliant vehicle, drivers should not panic and can simply put super unleaded in their tank at the next available opportunity.”