E10, A Historic Achievement for Jamaica

Energy Minister, Clive Mullings said the launch of the E10 fuel is another indication of how talented Jamaicans are and how much they can achieve, when they remain focused and work together.

The Minister was speaking at the Customer Appreciation Day and ceremonial turning on of the E10 pump at the Petcom Portmore Service Station in St. Catherine on November 1.

Minister Mullings said "the launch of E10 gives me a tremendous sense of satisfaction not only because we are using a sugar cane-based fuel, but because Jamaicans all got together and did it. It wasn't a situation where we had to call on foreign expertise, we took the product, we developed it, got it into the refinery. And so, today is a historic day and in that regard, I feel very proud."

He added that "we must see ethanol, not just as an additive to gasoline, it's far more fundamental than that. It means that, just as our Olympians took on the world, training here in Jamaica, and beat the world, so our people have worked together to beat the world again in energy."

In this regard, the Minister is urging other marketing companies to come on board, and partake in the "liberation" of Jamaica from the world energy crisis.

"To the marketing companies, I implore them to get on board now. Petcom has taken the lead, because they were aware that this product does work, and people need a hope around which to galvanize their lives. It's now time to get off the fence, get this product out there so people can start benefiting. Let's liberate ourselves from the shackles of the energy crisis, which countries such as ours are suffering from," Mr. Mullings appealed.

Speaking at the function, Group Managing Director of the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ), Dr. Ruth Potopsingh, emphasised that the introduction of E10 fuel to the Jamaican market is a monumental achievement, which will benefit the country for a long time.

"The introduction of ethanol as a transportation fuel is a milestone achievement. E10 sweet power, made from ethanol from sugarcane, is a catalyst for the development of other industries, especially the sugar cane industry."

She added that "the scope for production and the productivity improvements of the industry, employment, savings to our import bill, as well as savings to our own individual pockets, is a new beginning. The environmental and health benefits from using ethanol a renewable energy source cannot be disputed."

Continuing, the PCJ Group Managing Director pointed out that as a wholly owned Government operation Petcom has demonstrated a national commitment to consumer benefits.

In addition to Petcom Portmore, E10 will be available at other selected Petcom stations in Kingston and St. Catherine. Other service stations throughout Kingston have also begun to serve E10 to motorists.

Posted 2008 November 13

Source: Jamaica Information Service