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From Tuesday, November 1, E10 petrol will be rolled out across forecourts in Northern Ireland, in a move which will align the country with Great Britain. E10 fuel will become the new standard grade of petrol when it is rolled out, with the current form of unleaded, E5, being upgraded to super unleaded.
The petrol is blended with up to 10 percent renewable ethanol and will help Northern Ireland to decarbonise transport, as it is greener than existing petrol.
It is hoped the “greener” fuel will cut carbon emissions in the country, as the Government looks to decarbonise transport across the UK.
Its use across the UK could contribute to cutting transport CO2 emissions in the UK by potentially 750,000 tonnes a year.
The new fuel was first introduced in England, Scotland and Wales in September 2021.
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Drivers are advised to contact car manufacturers with any questions surrounding their specific vehicle.
As a rule, drivers of cars registered prior to 2002 are advised not to use E10 in their vehicle, as problems have been reported.
And as of 2011, all new cars sold in the UK must be E10 compatible.
If drivers put E10 fuel in an incompatible car it will still run, but seals, plastics and metals may be damaged over longer periods as a result of bioethanol’s corrosive properties.
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It is hygroscopic, meaning that it absorbs water from the atmosphere, leading to condensation in fuel tanks if the car remains unused for long periods of time.
Owners of classic cars need to be particularly careful not to accidentally fill up with E10 and then leave it sat in the tank for long periods of time.
This will lead to expensive damaged seals, plastics and metals.
Despite the warnings, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Shailesh Vara, said E10 would have great impacts for drivers.
He said: “The Government is committed to supporting the growth of green energy across the UK and the introduction of E10 petrol will help reduce emissions of carbon dioxide on Northern Ireland roads.
“The decarbonisation of transport methods has an important part to play in achieving the UK’s net zero goals as well as creating opportunities for growth in our economy.”
Trudy Harrison, the minister for the decarbonisation of transport, said it would be a “small switch” for drivers, which could have big environmental benefits.
The MP for Copeland in Cumbria added: “We’re determined to cut emissions from all our roads and clean up our air, as we accelerate towards a zero-emission transport future.
“Although more and more motorists are driving electric vehicles, there are steps we can take to reduce emissions from the millions of vehicles already on our roads.
“The small switch to E10 petrol will not only help drivers across the country reduce their environmental impact, but also could create thousands of jobs across the UK.”
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