Positive Impacts of 10% Ethanol Fuel Implementation

KatadataOTO – Ethanol has been a topic of discussion among many parties recently. This is because it is known that the fuel (BBM) from Pertamina contains at least three percent ethanol.

This then caused a number of Public Fuel Filling Station (SPBU) companies to cancel using base fuel from Pertamina.

Although it has sparked controversy, it should be noted that ethanol is an additive that actually has a positive impact on vehicles and the reduction of exhaust gas emissions.

When fuel is blended with ethanol, it gets an increase in its octane number. This means the quality of the gasoline is better.

Photo : Antara

“This prevents knocking in modern engines and can increase combustion efficiency,” said Yannes Martinus Pasaribu, an observer and academic from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) to KatadataOTO, Thursday (09/10).

The environmental impact can also be felt. Fuel with an ethanol blend reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 20 to 30 percent.

The percentage of ethanol planned for implementation in Indonesia is E10, meaning 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent fuel.

In other countries, the percentage is higher because it is supported by appropriate infrastructure, regulations, and vehicle specifications.

Ethanol itself is the result of processing agricultural waste and other agricultural materials such as sugarcane. 

The raw materials obtained from the agricultural sector, in the long run, can benefit farmers in Indonesia.

However, the road to get there is still long. It requires a transition and the readiness of domestically produced vehicle engines.

“E10 as a 10 percent ethanol blend in gasoline is considered an appropriate and effective first step to reduce carbon monoxide emissions,” Yannes affirmed.

Pertamina, on a separate occasion, explained that the use of ethanol in fuel is already common in European countries such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Photo : Pertamina

Meanwhile in India, the program being launched is E20 so that it can be optimally implemented by 2030.

Considering Net Zero Emission is one of the Indonesian government's targets, Pertamina is committed to supporting it through the implementation of E10.

However, there is still a need to educate the public who are motor vehicle users, so that the transition to environmentally friendly fuel does not seem rushed.