B5 Biodiesel Questions & Answers
- Why use B5 and what is it?
- Which vehicles can use B5?
- Where is B5 available?
- What does B5 consist of?
- What are bio fuels?
- By using B5, how are motorists helping the environment?
- What is the UK Government’s plans with regard to biofuels?
- Can fuels made from plants reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by cars and trucks?
- Are bio-fuels the way forward for the future?
- Will you be increasing the percentage of bio within your fuels and if so when?
Why use B5 and what is it?
By filling up with Maxol’s B5 Diesel, you are doing your bit for the environment by using a bio-fuel without risk to your car or its manufacturer’s warranty. Maxol’s new B5 Diesel fuel is a blend of up to 5% biomass (biodiesel) and petroleum diesel. The biomass content consists of organic materials such as vegetable oils and animal fats. Biomass is a source of renewable energy. Using Maxol B5 Diesel results in lower emissions of almost every pollutant from your automobile e.g. carbon dioxide, sulfur oxide, and carbon monoxide. When biomass crops are grown, they capture through photosynthesis almost the same amount of carbon dioxide as is created when the biomass is consumed as a fuel.
B5, which contains up to 5% renewable biomass, can be used by drivers of standard diesel powered vehicles without modifications being required to engines while also protecting the manufacturer’s warranty.
Where will B5 be made available?
B5 bio-diesel will replace Maxol’s regular diesel fuel and will be available at approximately 100 service stations in Northern Ireland.
B5 fuel is a blend of diesel and up to 5% Biomass. The biomass consists of FAME, which is an abbreviation for Fatty Acid Methyl Ester molecules. FAME conforms to the European Specification EN 14214.
Bio fuels 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 the Biomass content made from? The biomass is made from FAME, which is an abbreviation for Fatty Acid Methyl Ester molecules. The FAME or biomass content is a manufactured product based on many vegetable oils but most commonly rapeseed, palm or soya. Rendered animal fats, tallow, can also be used.
By using B5, how are motorists helping the environment?
The move towards bio-diesel helps the UK Government meet its Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) which requires that by 2010, 5% of all road vehicle fuel supplied is from sustainable renewable sources. Renewable fuels are an essential part of our future and our children’s future and Maxol is keen to develop initiatives in this area to help our local environment.
What is the UK Government’s plans with regard to biofuels?
The Government has set itself some ambitious targets for the introduction of bio fuels into the UK transportation sector as part of its Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation. This will help bring the UK into line with European Union biofuels directive which sets targets for all EU countries for biofuel usage of 2.5% by the end of 2008/9 and 5% by the end of 2010/11.
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 bio fuels 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 bio-fuels the way forward for the future?
The use of bio fuels 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 bio fuels 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 bio fuel above 5% but this is already under review by an EU working group. 10% bio fuel is widely available in Australia and USA.