E20 blends safe for automobiles - RFA study

05 March 2008 17:02  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--A study conducted by the state of Minnesota and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) shows that fuel blended with 20% ethanol (E20) does not cause problems for automobiles, and their performance matched that for 10% blends, according to a summary released on Wednesday.

Based on material compatibility and drivability, no issues would prevent US regulators from approving E20 as a motor fuel, the study said. Emission tests, however, are still being conducted.

Increasing the proportion of ethanol in US fuel is crucial for the nation's ethanol industry, since producers are approaching limits imposed by fuel regulations. Regulations limit ethanol blends to 10%, due, in part, to concerns that higher proportions could damage automobiles.

US ethanol capacity will approach that 10% mark by the end of 2008. Unless demand increases for higher blends of ethanol, growth in the industry could be limited.

Research sponsors for the study include the state of Minnesota, the Minnesota Corn Growers, the Council of Great Lakes Governers, Minnesota State University Mankato, the University of Minnesota and the RFA.

Minnesota was involved in the study because state regulations will require E20 to be sold by 2013. Minnesota will apply for a federal waiver that will allow it to sell the fuel.

For more on ethanol visit ICIS chemical intelligence

Bookmark Simon Robinson’s Big Biofuels Blog for some independent thinking on biofuels

By: Al Greenwood
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