Biodiesel at the Pump

Hon Gerry Brownlee
Minister of Energy and Resources

30 March 2009 Media Statement

Biodiesel at the Pump
Renewable transport energy in New Zealand is making progress, with biodiesel now on retail sale and approval granted for 85% ethanol blends in petrol, Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee said today.

“From today Mobil becomes the first company in New Zealand to sell a biodiesel blend at the pump,” he said.

Mobil’s B5 blend (5% biodiesel blended with ordinary mineral diesel) went on sale today on a trial basis in the Bay of Plenty region.

The biodiesel in Mobil’s B5 blend is sourced from tallow, a by-product of meat processing.

“This trial provides another choice of fuel for Bay of Plenty motorists who wish to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with sustainable biofuels, and support a New Zealand industry,” Mr Brownlee said.

Ethanol-blended petrol is already on sale in New Zealand, but now another renewable biofuel choice is possible after the Environmental Risk Management Authority approved an application from EECA to allow E85 (an 85% ethanol blend with 15% petrol), with controls.

“The approval paves the way for flex-fuel cars, which cost little or no more than ordinary petrol vehicles, to be introduced into New Zealand.”

Flex-fuel vehicles can run on either normal mineral petrol, or very high 85% (E85) ethanol blends, as the driver chooses,” said Mr Brownlee.

“This approval will eventually allow oil companies to offer another option at the pump for flex-fuel vehicle owners, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions further,” he said.

Transport makes up nearly half New Zealand’s energy use (44%) but only 0.7% of the sector’s energy use is renewable. We need to change that over time if we are to start reducing our greenhouse gas emissions,” said Mr Brownlee.

Media Contact. Stephen Parker. Press Secretary 021 513300

Background information:

Consumer use of biodiesel

For guidelines on the use of biodiesel, see here: http://www.eeca.govt.nz/renewable-energy/biofuels/biodiesel/indexnew.html

Biofuel regulations

EECA does not recommend the use of biodiesel that does not meet New Zealand fuel manufacturing regulations. See more information about biofuel specifications and regulations here: http://www.eeca.govt.nz/renewable-energy/biofuels/specifications.html

Ethanol sustainability

Information on the sustainability of ethanol and other useful reports by EECA are available here: http://www.eeca.govt.nz/renewable-energy/biofuels/index.html#reports

ERMA’s decision.

http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/search/registers.html?aid=HSR07072

ENDS