Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 March 2023
85. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide information about the introduction of E10 petrol in Ireland; if he is aware of the concerns about the potential impact of this fuel type on older engines, both in cars and garden equipment; if he can provide reassurance about these concerns; if he will advise if E5 Petrol will still be available to purchase in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14174/23]
View answerIn November 2021, As Minister of Transport I published The Renewable Fuels for Transport Policy Statement 2021-2023 which signalled the incentivisation of E10 petrol supply by 2023. Following the 28 day statutory consultation period on the draft Regulations on the move to E10 and consideration of responses, I, as Minister may make the regulations having regard to effects of the regulations on a range of matters concerning economic activities in the State and on the Environment. It is envisaged that these regulations will be kept under review within the context of the development and implementation of the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy.
The move to E10 is one of several transport measures to achieve a 51% reduction in transport emissions by 2030 - a projected 1.08 MtCO2eq abatement in greenhouse gas emissions through increasing biofuel blending to E10 (10% Ethanol) and B20 (20% Biodiesel equivalent) set out in Climate Action Plan 2023, with an interim target of E10/B20 by 2025. In 2022, approximately 307m litres (9.6 PJ) of biofuel was placed on the market.
Since 2009, E10 petrol as standard has been rolled out across 15 European countries as well as other countries around the world such as the US and Australia. This measure will also align the current petrol supply used in Ireland to that of Great Britain and Northern Ireland which made the move in 2021 and 2022 respectively. All vehicles and equipment can operate on an E10 petrol blend. Some older vehicles pre-2011 (predominantly pre-2003/pre EURO V standard), were not manufactured with certification for E10 use, but it does not mean they cannot use E10. In countries where E10 and higher ethanol blends are used widely there is no evidence of issues. All vehicle owners and operators are required to maintain their vehicles to operating and roadworthy standards.
Maintaining an E5 petrol grade is not in line with the policy objective under the Climate Action Plan for E10 by 2025. Furthermore, consultation with industry concerning the policy to move to E10, indicated that the vast majority of suppliers do not have the storage or distribution systems to supply both an E5 and an E10 petrol grade. The annually declining number of petrol cars would not support investment in dual-system infrastructure. At this point in time, Ireland’s vehicle fossil fuel fleet is predominantly diesel (c.63% at end 2022) and of the c.1million petrol vehicles, there is a very low level of older vehicles (c.2.4% inc. vintage) that are pre-2011 (predominantly pre-2003/pre EURO V standard).
Information concerning individual vehicle types can be obtained in operating manuals, information on vehicle’s manufacturer websites, or inside the fuel cap (on newer vehicles). The gov.ie/E10 information website is the main point of reference for further information on the move to E10 and will continue to be over the course of the public information campaign which is currently running in advance of the move to E10.
