Widely used in the world for decades
E10 bio-gasoline is assessed as a feasible solution to help reduce emissions, save costs and gradually reduce dependence on mineral gasoline. According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Huu Tuyen - Director of the Center for Research on Engine Sources and Self-propelled Vehicles (Hanoi University of Science and Technology), E10 bio-gasoline is a fuel consisting of about 10% ethanol and 90% mineral gasoline.
According to this expert, with the ethanol blending ratio at 10%, this is a fairly low level but enough to improve some properties of the fuel. Accordingly, ethanol contains oxygen, which helps the combustion process in the engine take place more completely and cleanly. Thanks to that, the combustion efficiency is improved, contributing to improving the operating efficiency of the engine.
Some opinions suggest that ethanol has a lower thermal value than mineral gasoline, so when mixed, it can reduce fuel energy, leading to increased consumption. However, in reality, this thermal difference is not large (only about a few percent), and is compensated by a more efficient combustion process in the engine. Studies and tests show that when using E10 gasoline, the engine power and fuel consumption are basically equivalent to mineral gasoline. Even in some cases, fuel consumption can be improved thanks to a more optimal combustion process," Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Huu Tuyen assessed.
In addition, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Huu Tuyen emphasized the clear benefit of E10 gasoline is reduced emissions. Toxic substances such as CO (carbon monoxide) and some unburnt organic compounds are significantly reduced. This not only contributes to environmental protection but is also better for public health. In terms of costs, with current support policies, E10 gasoline is often priced lower than mineral gasoline, helping consumers save vehicle operating costs.
More importantly, E10 gasoline has been widely used in the world for decades, in countries such as the US, Brazil or Thailand. Practice shows that this fuel does not negatively affect engine durability and is completely suitable for vehicles in circulation," Mr. Tuyen said.
E10 gasoline is the starting point for E15, E20
On the management agency side, Dr. Dao Duy Anh - Deputy Director of the Department of Innovation, Green Transformation and Industrial Promotion (Ministry of Industry and Trade) said that Vietnam needs to find sources of renewable materials and biofuels are one of those types of materials.
In particular, Vietnam has potential in agriculture and forestry, with great prospects for building and developing biofuel industries (NLSH). When using NLSH, if the blending ratio is increased, it will gradually reduce dependence on mineral gasoline.
Vietnam currently has 2 refineries that can meet about 70% of the national petroleum demand (of which 40% import crude oil from the Middle East, so there has been a significant impact in the past), importing an additional 30% of finished petroleum products. Therefore, the significance of using biofuels increases, if 10% of biofuels are mixed into gasoline, it will reduce dependence by another 10% on mineral gasoline," Mr. Duy Anh informed.
With the consistent, correct and accurate policy of the Party and Government, E10 gasoline is one of the solutions set out by the Ministry of Industry and Trade to protect the environment, reduce dependence on mineral gasoline, and develop socio-economy.
E10 gasoline is the starting point, the Ministry of Industry and Trade not only stops at E10 but also continues to E15, E20 or higher. For countries with high industrialization like the US, E10 gasoline has been used since the 80s of the last century, and now E85 gasoline is used. The Philippines and Thailand are currently widely using E15, and from 2026 it will be upgraded to E20. Vietnam is lagging behind the above countries, but the transition needs a roadmap, creating social consensus," Mr. Dao Duy Anh added.
