EECA Welcomes New Fuel That Cuts Greenhouse Gas Emissions

EECA Welcomes New Fuel That Cuts Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) welcomes the launch of a new more environmentally-friendly fuel with a high bioethanol content on to the New Zealand market.

Gull New Zealand has today started selling E85 (85% bioethanol blended with 15% petrol) at its service station in Melville, Hamilton.

“Motorists who are able to switch to this fuel using flex-fuel vehicles would cut their greenhouse gas emissions by a third to a half, making a significant reduction to their carbon footprint,” EECA’s transport spokesperson Elizabeth Yeaman said.

“Switching to biofuel blends is a way for motorists to make an easy change that benefits the environment.”

Only motorists with flex-fuel vehicles can use E85. Holden have been selling flex-fuel vehicles in New Zealand since last year. Flex-fuel vehicles can use either E85 or ordinary petrol or any mixture of the two in the same tank.

However, almost all vehicles can run on some blend of biofuel, and these are available at some service stations for both diesel and petrol vehicles. EECA recommends that motorists check with their vehicle manufacturer first before using biofuel blends.

“Many New Zealand businesses, as well as individual motorists, are using biofuel blends now”, Elizabeth Yeaman said.

“Using alternative fuels such as biofuels or electricity (in electric vehicles) is one of the ways we can reduce transport-related emissions. Transport makes up nearly a fifth of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions, and is the largest single source of emissions after agriculture.”

Not all biofuels are equal, and EECA provides information about the sustainability of biofuels sold in New Zealand. This is available along with other information on biofuels at www.eeca.govt.nz/biofuels All biofuels currently sold in New Zealand can be considered sustainable.
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