Bioethanol

E10

The new E10 fuel for climate protection and secure energy supply

E10 has been offered as a new grade of automotive fuel at German filling stations since January 2011 and is expected to be available at all filling stations nationwide from the middle of this year. E10 is the designation for petrol fuel that can contain up to 10 vol.-% of bioethanol. "E" stands for ethanol and the number "10" for the bioethanol content of the petrol.
Bioethanol supplied by CropEnergies is produced from domestic agricultural raw materials. The higher quantities of bioethanol in E10 substitute fossil fuel and therefore make an important contribution towards reducing CO2 emissions in the transport sector. The EU "Renewable Energies Directive" stipulates that fuels produced from renewable raw materials only qualify for inclusion in the biofuel quota if they prove that they reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 35% compared to fossil fuels. This requirement has already been implemented in Germany with a mandatory certification process since 1 January 2011. Other European countries are will follow.
The bulk of the bioethanol used for blending in Germany is produced in the EU. The renewable feedstocks used are grown on a sustainable basis. They reduce the dependence on imported energy and at the same strengthen rural structures by creating a new domestic branch of industry.
Conflicting statements about the suitability of E10 for certain types of vehicles have led to confusion among customers. According to the ADAC, the German Automobile Association, auto manufacturers have issued clearances for E10 for over 90 percent of the petrol engine vehicles in Germany, i.e. these vehicles can run on E10. Clearances have not been issued only for about 10 percent of the petrol engine models. Lists for all makes of vehicle showing the models that can run on E10 can be obtained from the ADAC or from Deutscher Automobil Treuhand. The Federal German Ministry of the Environment has also published a brochure on this issue.
The bioethanol blended in E10 has a lower energy content than petrol. However, scientific studies show that E10 does not increase fuel consumption to any appreciable extent. According to Prof. Dr. Bernhard Geringer of the Technical University of Vienna, the maximum increase in consumption versus conventional premium grade petrol is 1.9%.
In its "Questions and Answers on the Introduction of E10 in Germany" (only available in German) the German Bioethanol Industry Association (BDBe) has compiled information and facts on E10 and dispels the most frequent of incorrect information and misconceptions.

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