6.5.2004
4Fortum making progress in the biofield A second step for motor biofuel This week, the first 6,000 ton shipment of sulphur-free gasoline containing the new biocomponent ETBE will be leaving the Kilpilahti harbour on board the m/t Weserstern, bound for Germany. Fortum has started manufacturing of ETBE (ethyl tertiary butyl ether), containing bioethanol, at the Porvoo refinery in Finland. It is currently used in the manufacture of gasoline for export, at a maximum of 15 per cent. The manufacture of biogasoline is based on the EU?s biofuel directive (2003/30/EC), according to which the proportion of biocomponents in gasoline and diesel has to be gradually increased, starting from 2005. Gasoline containing the new component is being exported to Germany as the tax relief on biocomponents has created a market there for such products. ETBE is the same type of component as MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) and TAME (tertiary amyl methyl ether), which Fortum uses in gasoline sold domestically. These components improve the combustion of gasoline and reduce harmful exhaust emissions. The ethanol used in manufacturing ETBE has been acquired from Brazil. For years, Fortum has exported sulphur-free motor fuels to e.g. Germany and Sweden, where usage is supported through tax differentiation. For the time being, Fortum will continue domestically producing and selling ethanol gasoline, which began in autumn 2002. The continued usage of bio-based components in Finland is dependent on political decisions regarding biofuel. Fortum Oil Oy Vice President, Term Sales Risto Karppinen, tel. +358 50 45 24072 and |
