Transforming the local and regional transportation landscape by adding a reduced emissions methanol fuel blend.
That was the goal of a three-year study conducted by a number of local agencies, which presented their findings on Thursday.
Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Stuart Young, in highlighting the key benefits of the Methanex M15 fuel blend which was part of a local three-year study, noted it would help to reduce local and regional carbon dioxide emission levels.
This is a significant step, as transportation is one of the largest contributors to the harmful effects of greenhouse gases globally.
“Part of this Government’s diversification plan is the maritime sector and a big part of what I am planning is not only a green port but also ensuring that we can offer cleaner fuels for the maritime industry because we are perfectly poised to offer that, and methanol is an important component.”
Minister Young said he intends to have Paria Fuel Trading Company push to offer the blend both locally and across the region.
“The Ministry of Trade is, of course, here as an important partner, as well, going forward. We have already begun the discussions because the Bureau of Standards, their testing falls under the Ministry of Trade, and I am pushing very hard for us to be able to move this towards implementation.”
President of National Energy, Dr. Vernon Paltoo, said the second phase of the study was the actual vehicle trials.
“The findings were very informative, specifically the introduction of methanol gasoline fuel blends in the automotive sector will offer substantial benefits to our national economy and environment. The study revealed that incorporating methanol blends could decrease local carbon dioxide emissions by approximately one to two grammes per kilometre of vehicular travel on a life cycle basis. Additionally, adopting M15 blends could also positively impact our national balance of trade.”
Dr. Paltoo noted the study was on a fifteen-eighty-five percent ratio of a methanol gasoline blend, which he added also showed positive impacts in the maritime sector.