Ethanol grades

In 2009, the EU published Directive 2009/30/EC , which amended Directive 98/70/EC (Fuel Quality Directive or FQD) and allowed sales of gasoline blended with ethanol content at a maximum of 10% v/v (E10). This was a consequence of introducing the 10% renewable energy target and the 6% greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target for the transportation sector (see below).

Moreover, Directive 98/70/EC (FQD) increased the allowed content of other oxygenates, provided that the oxygen content meets 3.7% m/m maximum, with the exception of methanol which was not increased. Member states (MS) were required to ensure that the E5 grade (with oxygen content of 2.7% m/m and maximum ethanol content of 5% v/v) was kept in the market at least until 2013, as a protection grade. In contrast