- The Hull bioethanol plant will reopen in early 2022.
- The plant closure in 2018 was due to ethanol and wheat prices and uncertain E10 demand.
- Reopening will create 85 jobs and support the £1 billion British bioethanol industry.
- E10 fuel will cut CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes annually.
Reopening of Hull Bioethanol Plant
The Vivergo Fuels site in Hull is set to reopen following the UK Department for Transport's mandate to introduce E10 petrol nationwide from September. The plant, established in 2012, was the UK's only dedicated bioethanol facility and the second largest infrastructure project after the Olympics. It closed in September 2018 due to unfavorable ethanol and wheat prices and uncertain future demand for E10 petrol.
Environmental Impact
With the introduction of E10 fuel, the plant aims to reduce transport CO2 emissions by up to 750,000 tonnes annually, equivalent to removing 350,000 cars from the road. This move is expected to significantly contribute to the UK's environmental goals.
Economic Benefits
The reopening will also boost the £1 billion British bioethanol industry. The plant plans to recruit around 85 highly skilled workers in addition to the core team that remained during its closure. This will support the local economy in the Humber region and create new opportunities for past partners, growers, and customers.
Future Prospects
Dr. Mark Carr, Group Chief Executive of AB Sugar, highlighted the difficult decision to close the plant in 2018 but expressed optimism about the future. With improved market conditions and government support, the plant will resume bioethanol production in early 2022, contributing to a sustainable British biofuels industry.
