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MAXOL E5 UNLEADED - Q & A
Back to E5 Press Release
WhWhat vehicles can use E5?
E5, which contains 5% bioethanol, can be used by drivers of standard petrol powered vehicles without modifications being required to engines while also protecting the manufacturers warranty. Maxol E5 Petrol fully meets the EU specification EN 228 for Unleaded in accordance with the terms of EU Fuel Directive EC 98/70 revised to provide for biofuel content in Unleaded Petrol. Maxol E5 will thus have the same fuel quality and integrity as standard unleaded petrol.
Where will E5 be made available?
E5 will replace Maxols regular unleaded fuel and will be available at all 150 service stations in ROI.
When will E5 be launched in the marketplace?
The launch of E5 is being carried out in September 2007 across all Maxol service stations.
What does E5 consist of?
E5 fuel is a blend of 95% petrol and 5% locally produced bioethanol.
What are biofuels?
Biofuels, are fuels derived from plant matter, such as corn, oilseed rape and sugar cane, as well as other organic compounds which can be made in a variety of ways and for different purposes, but are generally intended for use as fuel in transportation.
What is bioethanol?
The bioethanol fuel in E5 is 100% organic and is currently made from whey, a milk derivative and a bi-product of the Carbery Cheese plant in Balineen, Co. Cork.
How is the bioethanol for this project produced?
During cheese & food ingredient production all the proteins, fat and other components are removed except for the lactose. The lactose is present in a water solution which when fermented with yeast produces a 3.5% alcohol solution. This is then distilled to 96% v/v ethanol. However to use as a fuel the strength has to be increased to 99.9% and this is achieved by passing the ethanol over a molecular bead bed which takes out the residual water and gives the desired ethanol strength. The cows which produce the milk are 90% grass fed and the balance being made up of cereals. Bioethanol can also be made by fermentation from grains rich in sugar or starch, for example cereal crops, sugar beet and sorghum plants. In Sweden, its produced locally from biomass, such as from cereals, wine and sugar cane.
By using E5, how are motorists helping the environment?
The move towards ethanol use helps Ireland to meet EU targets. It is a win for consumers who benefit from lower emission fuel, a win for agriculture which can now develop interests in ethanol production and a win for the economy in that it could potentially reduce imports. Renewable fuels are an essential part of our future and our childrens future and Maxol is keen to develop initiatives in this area to help our environment. Motorists using Maxols E5 will contribute to a cleaner environment as a result of approximately 2.5% lower carbon emissions from their vehicle.
What are the Irish Government plans with regard to biofuel?
The Government has set itself some ambitious targets for the introduction of biofuels into Irelands transportation sector. Biofuels will comprise nearly 6% of all fuel used on Irish roads by 2009, rising to 10% by 2020. In addition, a 5% biodiesel blend is being introduced to all CIE buses.
Can fuels made from plants reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by cars and trucks?
In theory, yes. Plants absorb carbon as they grow, which is released again when the fuel is burned. This is the basis upon which biofuels are carbon neutral. So, when the fuels are burned the exhaust created is only something that was already in the atmosphere to begin with.
Are biofuels the way forward for the future?
The use of biofuels in transportation is a step in the right direction in reducing overall fossil fuel consumption and reducing carbon emissions. It must be noted that oil reserves are not increasing, so although the current production of biofuels is not a total solution, the correct efforts are being made.
Will you be increasing the percentage of bio within your fuels and if so when?
At this time the EU Directive prohibits biofuel above 5% but this is already under review by an EU working group. 10% biofuel is widely available in Australia and USA.
What is the Octane Rating of E5 compared to ordinary Unleaded
The Octane Rating of Ordinary unleaded ranges from 95.0 to 95.9 average 95.5. The Octane rating of E5 averages 99.2
What is the Energy Content (Calorific Value) of E5 compared to ordinary Unleaded Petrol?
*
One litre of Unleaded has a calorific value of 31 MJ.
*
One litre of Bioethanol has a calorific value of 21.2 MJ.
*
One litre of E5 has a calorific value of 30.51 MJ.
*
One litre of Unleaded emits 2.36 kg of CO2.
*
One litre of Bioethanol has a calorific value of 21.2 MJ.
Whats the difference in Carbon Emissions between ordinary Unleaded and E5?
*
One litre of Unleaded emits 2.36 kg of CO2
*
One litre of ethanol emits: ((2.36/31)*21.2)*0.5 = 0.81 kg CO2.
*
One litre of E5 emits: (0.81*0.05) + (2.36*0.95) = 2.28 kg CO2.
*
(5% ethanol : 95% petrol)
*
The difference in emissions between one litre of Unleaded and one litre of E5 is thus estimated to be 3.4%.
If a car was to use E5 instead of ordinary Unleaded, to what extent would the cars Carbon Emissions be reduced in a year?
*
This depends on volume of fuel consumed, distance driven, and manner of driving. However, lets make some acceptable assumptions.
*
The average petrol car travels 15,966 km (9,923 miles) per year Energy in Transport Trends and Influencing factors 2006.
*
Specific fuel consumption (combined cycle) of a car in the size range 1.5 1.7 litres is 7.33 litres / 100 km - Energy in Transport Trends and Influencing factors 2006.
*
The average car uses 1170 litres [(15,966/100)*7.33] of fuel per year.
*
Using 100% petrol this would result in the emission of 2.76 tonnes of CO2;
*
Using E5, 1193 litres [1170*1.02] of E5 fuel would be required resulting in the emission of 2.72 tonnes of CO2; (On basis of energy value, one needs 1.02 litres of E5 to replace 1 litre of Unleaded)
*
The savings per car per year would therefore be 0.04 tonnes CO2.
Back to E5 Press Release
MAXOL E5 UNLEADED - Q & A
Back to E5 Press Release
WhWhat vehicles can use E5?
E5, which contains 5% bioethanol, can be used by drivers of standard petrol powered vehicles without modifications being required to engines while also protecting the manufacturers warranty. Maxol E5 Petrol fully meets the EU specification EN 228 for Unleaded in accordance with the terms of EU Fuel Directive EC 98/70 revised to provide for biofuel content in Unleaded Petrol. Maxol E5 will thus have the same fuel quality and integrity as standard unleaded petrol.
Where will E5 be made available?
E5 will replace Maxols regular unleaded fuel and will be available at all 150 service stations in ROI.
When will E5 be launched in the marketplace?
The launch of E5 is being carried out in September 2007 across all Maxol service stations.
What does E5 consist of?
E5 fuel is a blend of 95% petrol and 5% locally produced bioethanol.
What are biofuels?
Biofuels, are fuels derived from plant matter, such as corn, oilseed rape and sugar cane, as well as other organic compounds which can be made in a variety of ways and for different purposes, but are generally intended for use as fuel in transportation.
What is bioethanol?
The bioethanol fuel in E5 is 100% organic and is currently made from whey, a milk derivative and a bi-product of the Carbery Cheese plant in Balineen, Co. Cork.
How is the bioethanol for this project produced?
During cheese & food ingredient production all the proteins, fat and other components are removed except for the lactose. The lactose is present in a water solution which when fermented with yeast produces a 3.5% alcohol solution. This is then distilled to 96% v/v ethanol. However to use as a fuel the strength has to be increased to 99.9% and this is achieved by passing the ethanol over a molecular bead bed which takes out the residual water and gives the desired ethanol strength. The cows which produce the milk are 90% grass fed and the balance being made up of cereals. Bioethanol can also be made by fermentation from grains rich in sugar or starch, for example cereal crops, sugar beet and sorghum plants. In Sweden, its produced locally from biomass, such as from cereals, wine and sugar cane.
By using E5, how are motorists helping the environment?
The move towards ethanol use helps Ireland to meet EU targets. It is a win for consumers who benefit from lower emission fuel, a win for agriculture which can now develop interests in ethanol production and a win for the economy in that it could potentially reduce imports. Renewable fuels are an essential part of our future and our childrens future and Maxol is keen to develop initiatives in this area to help our environment. Motorists using Maxols E5 will contribute to a cleaner environment as a result of approximately 2.5% lower carbon emissions from their vehicle.
What are the Irish Government plans with regard to biofuel?
The Government has set itself some ambitious targets for the introduction of biofuels into Irelands transportation sector. Biofuels will comprise nearly 6% of all fuel used on Irish roads by 2009, rising to 10% by 2020. In addition, a 5% biodiesel blend is being introduced to all CIE buses.
Can fuels made from plants reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by cars and trucks?
In theory, yes. Plants absorb carbon as they grow, which is released again when the fuel is burned. This is the basis upon which biofuels are carbon neutral. So, when the fuels are burned the exhaust created is only something that was already in the atmosphere to begin with.
Are biofuels the way forward for the future?
The use of biofuels in transportation is a step in the right direction in reducing overall fossil fuel consumption and reducing carbon emissions. It must be noted that oil reserves are not increasing, so although the current production of biofuels is not a total solution, the correct efforts are being made.
Will you be increasing the percentage of bio within your fuels and if so when?
At this time the EU Directive prohibits biofuel above 5% but this is already under review by an EU working group. 10% biofuel is widely available in Australia and USA.
What is the Octane Rating of E5 compared to ordinary Unleaded
The Octane Rating of Ordinary unleaded ranges from 95.0 to 95.9 average 95.5. The Octane rating of E5 averages 99.2
What is the Energy Content (Calorific Value) of E5 compared to ordinary Unleaded Petrol?
*
One litre of Unleaded has a calorific value of 31 MJ.
*
One litre of Bioethanol has a calorific value of 21.2 MJ.
*
One litre of E5 has a calorific value of 30.51 MJ.
*
One litre of Unleaded emits 2.36 kg of CO2.
*
One litre of Bioethanol has a calorific value of 21.2 MJ.
Whats the difference in Carbon Emissions between ordinary Unleaded and E5?
*
One litre of Unleaded emits 2.36 kg of CO2
*
One litre of ethanol emits: ((2.36/31)*21.2)*0.5 = 0.81 kg CO2.
*
One litre of E5 emits: (0.81*0.05) + (2.36*0.95) = 2.28 kg CO2.
*
(5% ethanol : 95% petrol)
*
The difference in emissions between one litre of Unleaded and one litre of E5 is thus estimated to be 3.4%.
If a car was to use E5 instead of ordinary Unleaded, to what extent would the cars Carbon Emissions be reduced in a year?
*
This depends on volume of fuel consumed, distance driven, and manner of driving. However, lets make some acceptable assumptions.
*
The average petrol car travels 15,966 km (9,923 miles) per year Energy in Transport Trends and Influencing factors 2006.
*
Specific fuel consumption (combined cycle) of a car in the size range 1.5 1.7 litres is 7.33 litres / 100 km - Energy in Transport Trends and Influencing factors 2006.
*
The average car uses 1170 litres [(15,966/100)*7.33] of fuel per year.
*
Using 100% petrol this would result in the emission of 2.76 tonnes of CO2;
*
Using E5, 1193 litres [1170*1.02] of E5 fuel would be required resulting in the emission of 2.72 tonnes of CO2; (On basis of energy value, one needs 1.02 litres of E5 to replace 1 litre of Unleaded)
*
The savings per car per year would therefore be 0.04 tonnes CO2.
Back to E5 Press Release
