Since it is St. Patrick’s Day, I thought it appropriate to highlight the efforts that “The Emerald Isle” is putting forth to keep the environment green.
According to Ireland’s Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Richard Bruton, the amount of biofuels used in transportation increased from 8% to 10% nationwide on January 1, 2019. The end goal is to increase the biofuel mix to 11% by 2020. This change from 8 to 11% would replace 70 million liters of fossil fuels and 200,000 tons of carbon annually.
Back in Minnesota
This seemingly small change to the fuel structure is nothing new to us in Minnesota. By law, all gasoline sold in the state contains 10% ethanol. This 10% ethanol, 90% gasoline mixture, known as 87 octane, is approved for all vehicles and small engines and provides more power and efficiency than pure gasoline at an octane rating of 84.
Better yet, 88 octane is a 15% ethanol blend that is becoming more widely available in Minnesota. 88 Octane is approved for use in all model year 2001 and newer vehicles by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – that’s nearly 9 out of 10 cars on the road today. There are more than 300 fuel stations in Minnesota that offer this less expensive, fuel-efficient option.
An even greener option is E85 for those with a flex fuel vehicle. E85 contains up to 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. There are currently more than 350,000 flex fuel vehicles in Minnesota. To find a station near you that sells E85 check out our flex fuel page.
Working Towards a Greener Tomorrow
The use of ethanol has resulted in a significant reduction in regulated pollutants, toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases (GHGs). According to the Renewable Fuels Association, in 2018 alone there was a reduction of 55.1 million metric tons of GHGs from vehicles across the nation . You can imagine that as removing 11.7 million cars from the road for a year.
Overall, it is very exciting to see Ireland increase the biofuel standard to 10% across the nation. Renewable fuel standards like this and ours in the U.S. are crucial for reducing emissions and improving air quality. These initiatives are, shall we say, worth a pot of gold.