UK to launch greener vehicle petrol to reduce CO2 emissions in September

LONDON - A greener vehicle petrol that could cut transport CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes a year is to be introduced across Britain in September 2021, the British government has announced.

The British Department for Transport (DfT) said the greener fuel E10 petrol could cut transport emissions equivalent to 350,000 fewer cars on the roads of Britain.

The DfT said the move follows consultations with drivers and industry over the introduction of E10 fuel, which is a mixture of petrol and ethanol made from materials including low-grade grains, sugars and waste wood.

British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said, "The small switch to E10 petrol will help drivers across the country reduce the environmental impact of every journey."

"A small number of older vehicles, including classic cars and some from the early 2000s, will continue to need E5 fuel (containing no more than 5 percent ethanol), which is why supplies of E5 petrol will be maintained," said the DfT.

Introduction of E10 will boost job opportunities in the northeast England as biofuel plant reopens -- securing up to 100 jobs, said the DfT.

Britain plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 as part of its effort to deliver its legally binding commitment to bring greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

The international community, including both developing and developed countries, already recognized the importance of joining hands in tackling climate change. In 2021, China and Britain will host the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) and the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), respectively.