"Super" hybrid fuel hits the pumps in the Netherlands

Safe and sustainable

hE15 biosuper, manufactured by HE Blends BV, could signal a new era in domestic fuel consumption as a sustainable, competitively priced alternative that reduces carbon emissions. The fuel was developed following recent advances in the blending of ethanol with gasoline. It consists of 15 per cent hydrous ethanol and 85 per cent Euro 95 gasoline, and has an octane number of 98 – making it a suitable replacement for Euro 95 and Super Plus 98 fuels and therefore safe to use in standard gasoline cars.

Wetter is better

hE15 biosuper is the result of research into the use of hydrous (wet) ethanol, instead of the commonly used anhydrous (dry) ethanol, in combination with gasoline to produce a more sustainable, versatile and cost-effective fuel. MindsinMotion.net reported on this new technology in April (see link below).

Because hydrous ethanol does not need to be dried before it can be used, production costs are significantly lower in comparison to previous anhydrous ethanol-gasoline blends – a reduction which is passed on to the consumer.

Full of potential

"HE Blends is very excited about the market introduction of hE15 biosuper in the Netherlands," said Eric de Jager, marketing and sales director for the company. "This new, revolutionary product is a more sustainable alternative to gasoline for the average car driver, and therefore has the potential to make a large impact on reducing emissions."

Official introduction

Ms. Jacqueline Cramer, the Netherlands' minister of Housing, Spacial Planning and the Environment, launched the new fuel on 7th July at Tankservice Damsigt in Voorburg, home of fuel distributor Berkman Energie Service. Simultaneous events took place in Barendrecht, Roosendaal and Spijkenisse.

The official launch followed trials in May, when select Berkman Energie stations in Rotterdam and Roosendaal sold the fuel publicly for the first time.

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