KEY POINTS:
The Government wants motorists to start putting a fuel for a cleaner, sustainable future into their cars. It announced yesterday that it wants fuel companies to have a 3.4 per cent biofuel content in petrol and diesel by 2012 - a move that will cut greenhouse gas emissions without, it hopes, costing motorists dearly.
So what is it?
Biofuels are made up of renewable materials. There are two types: biodiesel, made from vegetable oil or animal fat; and bioethanol, made from sugars and starches.
Where will I get it?
It will be available at petrol stations from next year.
Will I need to adapt my car?
Low-level biofuel blends work with most modern vehicles. But higher blends (above 3 per cent bioethanol or above 5 per cent biodiesel) may require new fuel filters. Older vehicles may also need new fuel filters. The AA warns some vehicles could have problems with a 3 per cent blend.
Will it cost more at the pump?
The Government says biofuel blends shouldn't cost more than ordinary petrol or diesel, but admits all prices could rise as part of the obligation to sell them. Shell has estimated the cost of petrol and diesel could increase by at least 5c a litre to cover costs.
What happens if I mix normal fuel with biofuel?
Nothing - you can have both in the tank.
Can I use it in my boat?
It's discouraged because the fuel can separate into a water layer, causing the engine to stop.
Why are biofuels being introduced?
To reduce the impact of fossil fuels and reduce our dependence on imported fuel. They will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Can they be made in New Zealand?
Yes. New Zealand produces sufficient tallow, a by-product of the meat industry, for biodiesel. Whey from the dairy industry and possibly maize would create bioethanol.
When is this happening?
The biofuel sales targets will begin next year, when the 0.53 per cent of total sales must be biofuels. The target rises each year until it reaches 3.4 per cent in 2012.
Has anyone else made this move?
Biofuel blends are used in the United States, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Australia and most of Europe.
Are the oil companies under pressure to deliver?
They face multimillion-dollar penalties if they fail to reach the target of adding 3.4 per cent of biofuel to petrol and diesel by 2012.
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The car pictured above, converted to run on used vegetable oil, can give off a whiff of fish and chips or Thai curry but Aucklander Robert Kornfeld prefers that to the stench of diesel.
He converted his SsangYong Rexton from diesel a year ago. The engine differs from the change the Government is introducing, as it starts on diesel before switching when warm to "Envirofuel".
The strategy announced yesterday involves blending biofuel made from renewable materials with petrol or diesel.
Mr Kornfeld, managing director of conversion company Envirocar, said his car's performance did not suffer from the change, it emitted less carbon and powered up hills just the same. And the extra fuel tank was installed beneath the car by the chassis and was hidden. Envirocar has converted around 60 diesel vehicles since it started last June. Conversions cost around $4000 and a litre of the vegetable oil fuel costs 69c, plus GST.
