Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
263. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if there is evidence that changing to E10 fuel can cause damage to pre-2011 cars and motorcycles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18310/23]
View answerI published the Renewable Fuels for Transport Policy Statement 2021-2023 in November 2021 which signalled the move to E10 as the standard grade of petrol in Ireland by 2023. Following a 28 day statutory consultation period on the draft Regulations and consideration of responses and stakeholder feedback, I made these regulations which 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 50% reduction in transport emissions by 2030 - a projected 1.08 MtCO2eq abatement in greenhouse gas emissions. This will be achieved through increasing biofuel blending to E10 (10% Ethanol) and B20 (20% Biodiesel equivalent) as set out in Climate Action Plan 2023, with an interim target of E10/B12 by 2025. In 2022, approximately 307m litres (9.6 PJ) of biofuel was placed on the market.
Moving to E10 will bring an immediate climate-change mitigation measure within the existing vehicle fleet. Since 2009, E10 petrol as standard has been rolled out across 15 European countries as well as the US and Australia. The new regulations will also ensure Ireland’s petrol supply will now align with the standard petrol supplied in Northern Ireland since last year, and in Great Britain since 2021.
All vehicles can operate on an E10 petrol blend, and it is safe to do so. In some older vehicles pre-2011 (predominantly pre-2003) sustained use may result in more frequent maintenance, for example of engine seals and hoses, but it does not mean that they cannot use E10.
In countries where E10 and higher ethanol blends have been used widely for years there is no evidence of issues. Further 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). All vehicle owners and operators are required to maintain their vehicles to operating and roadworthy standards.
The annually declining number of petrol cars along with the increased uptake of zero-emission vehicles, such as EVs, is likely to reduce the number of affected older vehicles even further over the coming decade. As Ireland’s vehicle fleet is predominantly diesel (c.63% at end 2022) with approximately 1 million petrol vehicles, there is a very low level of older vehicles (c.2.4% which includes vintage) that are pre-2011 (predominantly pre-2003/pre EURO V standard).
To ensure public awareness of the move to E10 petrol, my Department is running a public information campaign, through advertising at forecourts, print, radio, digital and social platforms. The gov.ie/E10 information website which was set up last year is the main point of reference for further information on the move to E10 and will continue to be over the course of the campaign.
