Vivergo Fuels, the UK’s biggest producer of bioethanol, is calling on the Government to provide greater certainty to UK farmers by pushing forward with the introduction of E10 fuel, which will cultivate an alternative domestic market for their produce.
Vivergo Fuels, the largest bioethanol producer in the UK, is calling on the Government to provide greater certainty to farmers by pushing forward with the introduction of E10 fuel, which will cultivate an alternative domestic market for their produce. A major feed grade wheat buyer, Vivergo says it is “boosting the fortunes of farmers” to the value of GBP 1 million per month, compared to the smaller export value they would receive. The company takes up to 100 000 tonnes of animal feed grade wheat each month to create its ethanol, which is then blended into petrol.
However, Vivergo, which since 2012 operates a GBP 350 million plant at Salt End near Hull, says it can play an even bigger role and is asking the Government to increase the ethanol blending ratio in petrol from current 5 percent level to 10 percent, through the introduction of E10. This, Vivergo says, will boost the UK economy by supporting UK farmers and UK jobs, as well as helping to meet strict and legally-binding environmental targets.
– It is essential that the Government is supportive in terms of increasing the current bioethanol blending ratio in UK petrol, so that Vivergo Fuels and the wider industry can provide a long term, sustainable and secure domestic market for UK farmers. Increased demand for bioethanol will allow farmers to sell their wheat in the UK instead of exporting, increasing their earnings. This in turn will benefit the wider UK economy and support jobs throughout the supply chain, further boosting UK industry, said Mark Chesworth, Managing Director of Vivergo Fuels in a statement.
Vivergo also believes that E10 represents the most cost-effective and straightforward channel for the UK to meet its legally binding, transport-specific targets and air quality challenges, this has been echoed by the Select Committee.
– The UK biofuels industry is incredibly beneficial to farmers across the country, as it adds value to grain and oilseeds for feed and fuel markets. The process ensures that animal-grade wheat is bought at a fair price, and the bi-product of animal feed creates a collaborative process that benefits both the farmers and the biofuels industry, said Meurig Raymond, President of the National Farmers Union (NFU).
