Friday 8 August

EECA welcomes Gull's expansion of biofuels

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) today welcomed Gull's introduction of a 10% bioethanol blend for its 91 octane fuel, a first in New Zealand.

Elizabeth Yeaman, Team Manager, Renewables and Energy Supply, said it was good news for motorists that Gull was now offering a 91 octane bioethanol blended petrol because it provides a new choice of fuel that is better for the environment.

Gull has been selling a 98 octane fuel containing 10% bioethanol to drivers of old and new vehicles since August last year.

Bioethanol blended petrol is a mix of regular petrol and a percentage of the more environmentally-friendly bioethanol.

Gull's bioethanol blended petrol is made from dairy industry by-product in Reporoa from Fonterra.

"Blends of 10 percent bioethanol have been successfully used all over the world for many years, and it's great to see more variety available in New Zealand.

"By choosing to use biofuels, New Zealand motorists will be reducing their personal carbon footprint.

Parliament is currently considering the Biofuels Bill which will make it compulsory that by 2012, 2.5 percent of all the petrol and diesel oil companies sell must be biofuels.

Part of the legislation will ensure that all New Zealand's biofuels come from sustainable sources as they become more widely available.

"This means ensuring that any biofuels used in New Zealand do not compete with food production, do not come from rainforest areas or other environmentally important land and reduce overall carbon dioxide emissions" says Elizabeth Yeaman.

Visit www.aa.co.nz for a list of vehicles which are confirmed as supporting various biofuel blends.

Find out more about biofuels visit www.energywise.govt.nz

ENDS

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