UK opens public comment period regarding E10 proposal

In the UK, the Department for Transport has opened a public consultation through September 16 seeking feedback on the proposal to boost ethanol blending to 10% from the current 5% mandate. The policy is in line with the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive that requires 10% renewable energy consumption in transport by 2020. Domestic ethanol producers have complained that failure to implement E10 has led to jeopardize their economic viability.

This consultation seeks feedback on:

• • proposals to ensure a continued supply of traditional E5 petrol for those motorists who will need it
• • a call for evidence on whether and how best to introduce E10 petrol
• • proposals to implement new fuel labelling as required by the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive
• • plans to change the consumer message that must accompany the sale of E10