Norway: Statoil Starts Retailing Bensin 95 Biofuel

The new biofuel will reduce carbon emissions by about 11,000 tonnes annually.  All petrol driven vehicles can use Bensin 95 containing 5 per cent bioethanol without making any adjustments to the engine or the fuel system. “Drivers are now able to refill their cars with biofuel at Statoil service stations, regardless of whether they have petrol or diesel engines. Our customers can now help save the environment without changing their routines. This is a very pleasing development,” says managing director D. Rinde.

The introduction of more environmentally suitable petrol in Norway has been made possible by new regulations permitting the import and storage of bioethanol for use as fuel. The addition of small amounts of biofuel has a considerable effect in volume terms.

In 2009 Statoil launched diesel with 7 percent biodiesel throughout Norway. Total emission reductions resulting from Statoil’s biofuel drive in Norway will now stand at about 66,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.  “Biofuel will be an important and practical tool for reducing emissions from the transport sector for many decades hence. But to move on from the current situation we need a set of long-term conditions that allow for new investments. As far as taxation policy is concerned, there should also be clear incentives rewarding persons and companies that make the environmentally appropriate choices,” states Rinde.

The initial roll out phase will see the Sjursøya fuel storage facility supply bensin95 to  service stations in Southern and Eastern Norway. The nationwide supply of petrol with 5 per cent bioethanol will entail the need for investments in a new infrastructure for all oil companies in Norway.  If all petrol in Norway in the future is replaced by Bensin 95, the annual carbon dioxide savings for petrol driven cars will exceed 90,000 tonnes when compared to today.


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