Energy Minister Hints at Increasing Ethanol in Fuel

Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, is hinting that the Government may increase the level of ethanol being used in the current fuel mix.

“I am thinking about increasing the amount of ethanol,” the Minister said, while  addressing the launching ceremony  for the introduction of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel fuel, at  the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, in Kingston, on June 20 .

Mr. Paulwell pointed out that more developed countries and some of those that are not as developed, have moved ahead and introduced higher ethanol fuel blends, while Jamaica has remained at 10 per cent, introduced in 2007.

“We have to go a little further. We’re seeing more and more vehicles now being able to take up to 25 per cent and more of ethanol.  We’re really talking about the environment and these are real things we’re doing, that will have a positive impact on the environment,” he said.

The Minister’s comments came against the background of the impending introduction of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) to the marketplace on Monday, June 24.

The ULSD fuel has a maximum sulphur content of 15 parts per million (ppm), a dramatic drop from 5,000 ppm in the blend of diesel currently being used.  ULSD fuel will not only result in significantly improved performance and greater mileage for engines manufactured to use that grade diesel, but will also be much better for the environment as tailpipe emission will be significantly cleaner.

Mr. Paulwell encouraged dealers and service stations to ‘get on board’ the ULSD train and help make Jamaica a cleaner place to live.

“I urge those of you who have not already signed on [to do so].  I believe we already have committed so far, some 13 stations islandwide, but we expect that in time we will see many more that will do the transformation to accommodate this Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel,” he said.

The Minister reminded owners of motor vehicles that will continue to use the old diesel fuel,  that the colour has been changed to red, and that  the new ULSD will have a light yellow colour.

By Rodger Hutchinson, JIS Reporter