Ethanol

The Department of Energy enforced the required blending of biofuels into South African diesel and petrol, as outlined in Government Notice R. 671, since 1 October 2015. Like it or not, ethanol (derived from maize) isn’t going anywhere. In fact, more and more filling stations are moving from the standard 2 per cent ethanol to 10 per cent. It’s a contentious practice. Here are the strongest points from both sides.

FOR

u Ethanol helps the fuel meet international airpollution regulations. It reduces exhaust emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, benzene and fine particulates. u Ethanol contributes to fulfilling the biofuels industrial strategy, which cabinet approved in 2007 and extended under the 23 August 2012 R. 671 amending regulations (Government Gazette Vol. 566, No. 35623) to the Petroleum Products Act of 1977. u Ethanol is a powerful octane booster: a fuel additive that prevents the fuel charge from preigniting in the cylinder, which leads to engine knocking and poor performance.

AGAINST

u With 33 per cent less energy content than petrol, ethanol actually lowers your mileage. u Ethanol is known to ruin small engines, especially two-stroke, because of its tendency to separate from the petrol. u By growing maize for ethanol, farmers reduce the land being used to grow maize for food, raising the consumer price of maize. u Ethanol is highly corrosive, forcing car manufacturers to use more expensive stainless-steel components.