Statoil launch new biofuel in Norway

Statoil is the first company in Norway to offer 5 per cent bioethanol to general consumers. From January 2010 onwards 40 per cent of Statoil’s stations will be selling the new biofuel “Bensin 95”.

To begin with, it will be the Statoil stations in Southern and Eastern Norway that will market the new biofuel. (Photo: Harald Pettersen)

The new biofuel will reduce carbon emissions by about 11,000 tonnes annually.

All petrol driven vehicles can use Bensin 95 containing 5 per cent bioethanol without making any adjustments to the engine or the fuel system.

“Drivers are now able, for the first time, to refill their cars with biofuel at Statoil filling stations, regardless of whether they have petrol or diesel engines. Our customers can now help save the environment without changing their routines. This is a very pleasing development,” says managing director Dag Roger Rinde.

The introduction of more environmentally suitable petrol in Norway has been made possible by new regulations permitting the import and storage of bioethanol for use as fuel.

The addition of small amounts of biofuel has a considerable effect in volume terms.

An average family will cut its carbon emissions by about 80 kg each year when they move away from regular fuel and start tanking with Bensin 95 containing 5 per cent bioethanol. Nationwide the annual cuts as a result of Statoil’s Bensin 95-launch will amount to 11,000 tonnes.

In 2009 Statoil launched diesel with 7 percent biodiesel throughout Norway. Total emission reductions resulting from Statoil’s biofuel drive in Norway will now stand at about 66,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

“Biofuel will be an important and practical tool for reducing emissions from the transport sector for many decades hence. But to move on from the current situation we need a set of long-term conditions that allow for new investments. As far as taxation policy is concerned, there should also be clear incentives rewarding persons and companies that make the environmentally appropriate choices,” states Rinde.

To begin with, it will be the Statoil stations supplied by the Sjursøya storage facility – stations in Southern and Eastern Norway – that will market the new biofuel.

The nationwide supply of petrol with 5 per cent bioethanol will entail the need for investments in a new infrastructure for all oil companies in Norway.

If all petrol in Norway in the future is replaced by Bensin 95, the annual carbon dioxide savings for petrol driven cars will exceed 90,000 tonnes when compared to today.

Source: Statoil