EECA welcomes Mobils move to biofuels

The Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA), promoter of sustainable energy future in New Zealand, welcomed Mobil’s trial of two biofuel blends. Elizabeth Yeaman, Team Manager, Renewables and Energy Supply, said it was pleased that Mobil was now joining Gull in offering New Zealand consumers a more environmentally friendly and sustainable choice when filling up their cars. Mobil is the first of the major oil companies to offer bioethanol-blended petrol and we commend them on starting to meet their sales obligations before the new legislation is passed,” she says. Mobil is selling a 98-octane fuel containing up to 10% ethanol (E10), and a 91-octane fuel containing up to 3% ethanol. E10 and E3 will be available from Mobil’s Johnsonville station. Bioethanol-blended petrol is a mix of ordinary petrol and a percentage of the more environmentally friendly bioethanol. Yeaman says that most new and many older vehicles can run on biofuel without any changes or modifications to the engine. “Brazilian sugarcane bioethanol is environmentally sustainable,” she says. (June 11, 2008)