The bio-ethers ETBE and TAEE have been shown to offer GHG additional savings compared to the bio-ethanol used in their manufacture. This is because the energy saved when a refiner exploits the high octane and reduced volatility they deliver more than counterbalances the extra processing step involved in converting the bio-ethanol to the bio-ether.
Studies carried out by Hart Energy Consulting and CE Delft, both respected independent consultants, using their own in-house modelling systems showed that ETBE offered an additional CO2 benefit over direct ethanol blending.
The studies support the following conclusions:
- By using ETBE a refiner uses less refinery fuel when producing finished petrol than when using ethanol instead. This energy efficiency means naturally less CO2
- By maximizing ETBE, production and ETBE usage a refinery can further reduce its CO2 footprint.
- ETBE typically offers an additional saving of 24kg of CO2-equivalent/GJ of ethanol.
- Replacing directly blended ethanol with ETBE can save 4 million tons per year of CO2 emissions
Hart Energy Consulting study on TAEE, shows that reduction of CO2 is a general benefit for bio-ethers.