Factsheet: Bioethanol
What is bioethanol?
Like biodiesel, bioethanol is a liquid biofuel. It is made from starch plants (like corn, wheat and cassava), sugar plants (beet and cane) and sometimes cellulose plants (trees). It is produced first by fermentation, followed by distillation and finally dehydration.
As Bioethanol comes from renewable sources it therefore has a lower impact on climate change than fossil fuels. However, there are concerns that the crops used for bioethanol production can use a lot of water in areas where water is scarce. Many of the crops could also be used for food or take the place of food crops and this can exacerbate worldwide food shortages.
What is the specification?
There is a European specification being developed for E85 (85% ethanol / 15% petrol) blend. Other blends include E10. Current European specification petrol (EN228) can contain up to 5% ethanol without any need to declare it. Motor manufacturers warrant their vehicles to run on EN228. Although some manufacturers are happy for you to use a 10% blend, provided it is obtained from a respected supplier (check before using).
How can it be used?
Bioethanol can be used as a fuel in a number of different ways:
· As a blend (ranging between 5% and 85%). As a 5% blend it can be used in all petrol engines. However, higher E85 blends require some modifications.
· As a direct substitute for petrol in cars with appropriately modified engines.
What are the benefits of using bioethanol?
It is generally accepted that on a ‘well to wheel basis, bioethanol gives a 70% carbon dioxide reduction versus petrol. (See: Energy Saving Trust) This means that a 5% blend produces 3.5% less carbon emissions, whilst an 85% blend (like E85) would achieve a 50% reduction.
How much does it cost to buy and maintain a bioethanol vehicle?
A bioethanol vehicle costs around £500 more than the petrol equivalent. The running costs however are very similar to that of a petrol vehicle.
Where can I refuel with bioethanol?
5% blend bioethanol is only available at a limited number of outlets and is not generally advertised. The availability of bioethanol in the UK looks set to increase as car manufacturers begin to produce vehicles that can run on all blends up to 85%.
Is bioethanol currently being used anywhere?
Currently Brazil is the world's largest producer of bioethanol, with 45% of all fuel used in cars there being bioethanol. Brazil has two fuels - petrol containing 25% ethanol and 100% ethanol. 60% of new cars sold are 100% ethanol fuelled.
The USA and Sweden also have well-established bioethanol networks. The USA, for example, has 6 million E85 vehicles.
Technical information for bioethanol:
The manufacture of bioethanol requires a chemical plant to convert it to alcohol (ethanol) in the same way as drinking alcohol is made. Additives are put in to stop it being used for drinking purposes.
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