- Ethanol production at the UK plant will resume in March 2019.
- The plant will initially operate at reduced capacity.
- Continuous operation depends on the local market for alternative fuels, especially Premium E10.
- Brexit-related customs issues need immediate clarification.
Resumption of Ethanol Production
CropEnergies AG has decided to restart ethanol production at its UK plant in Wilton beginning in March 2019. The plant will initially operate at reduced capacity to fulfill orders from British customers.
Market Development for Alternative Fuels
For continuous operation, the development of the local British market for alternative fuels is crucial. This includes the introduction of Premium E10, a fuel with 10% ethanol, which has been delayed for years. Premium E10 is already the standard for certifying new petrol engines in the EU.
Current Decarbonisation Efforts
Currently, the UK's transport decarbonisation relies mainly on biodiesel, much of which is produced from used cooking oils and imported from countries like China, where waste reduction is not legally mandated.
Brexit-Related Customs Issues
Immediate clarification of Brexit-related customs regulations for imports and exports is essential for the Wilton plant's future operations. These regulations are critical for the plant's viability.
