Poland is set to embrace a greener approach to fuel consumption as the new year dawns, with the introduction of E10 fuel, containing a 10% blend of bioethanol, replacing the popular E5 95-octane petrol at gas stations. However, not all older vehicles will be compatible with this environmentally friendly alternative, necessitating the use of the more expensive 98-octane fuel. Experts anticipate that prices for both fuels will eventually converge.
Halina Pupacz, President of the Polish Chamber of Liquid Fuels, underscores the environmental benefits of E10 in an interview with Newseria Biznes. “E10 fuel is considered not only to replace traditional fuels to some extent but also as a more environmentally friendly option. Therefore, all EU guidelines aim at the possibility of using fuels that meet transportation needs while prioritizing environmental protection,” says Pupacz.
The arrival of E10 on January 1, 2024, aligns with a European Union directive promoting the shift from fossil fuels to alternative sources. Poland will be the 19th EU country to implement this change, joining others like Austria, France, Germany, and Spain. According to the Ministry of Climate and Environment, this move is part of Poland’s commitment to achieving the EU’s target of a 14% share of renewable energy sources in the transport sector by reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
A key component of E10 is bioethanol, a renewable fuel produced sustainably from crops and waste in biorefineries through fermentation. Reports from ePure, an organization focused on biofuel utilization, suggest that bioethanol has a significantly lower carbon footprint, approximately 70% less compared to fossil fuels like traditional gasoline derived from oil refining.
To implement this change, refineries must blend E10 fuel by adding 10% ethanol, while fuel stations must update their dispensers to reflect the new blend. Pupacz emphasizes the need for education during the initial transition period for both station staff and vehicle owners.
Notably, older vehicles may not be compatible with E10, prompting the Ministry of Climate and Environment to provide a search engine and email assistance for drivers to verify their vehicle’s compatibility. In just a few days since its launch, the search engine has received over 2.5 million queries, reflecting the need for information among drivers.