In recent years, the search for more sustainable fuels has become a priority for the entire energy sector.
The growing focus on CO₂ emissions and the environmental impacts of mobility has pushed companies to find innovative solutions to reduce their ecological footprint without compromising efficiency and performance.
San Marco Petroli is at the forefront of this transition and in 2023 began the construction of a modular ethanol-gasoline blending plant (Bio Blend) at its coastal terminal in Marghera.
An ambitious project which combines technological innovation and environmental sustainability, with the aim of optimizing the use of bioethanol in gasoline additive processes.
Why add ethanol to gasoline?
Ethanol is a biofuel derived from renewable raw materials such as corn, sugar cane and sugar beets. Adding ethanol to gasoline offers several benefits:
- Reduced emissions. Ethanol burns cleaner than conventional gasoline, reducing emissions of CO₂ and other air pollutants
- Improved octane rating. With an octane rating of around 108, ethanol improves the fuel’s resistance to knock, resulting in more efficient performance.
- Reduced dependence on oil. Using a portion of biofuel reduces the need for fossil fuels.
A cutting-edge plant for an evolving market
SMP is among the first terminals in Italy to develop a plant capable of managing different percentages of ethanol-gasoline blending, from a minimum of 3% up to 10%, in compliance with the specifications required by the various markets:
– E5: 5% ethanol – Standard in Italy (EN228 specifications).
– E10: 10% ethanol – Widespread in the USA and Europe.
The plant will become operational during 2025 and represents a significant step forward in SMP’s strategy for a more sustainable energy future.
Towards greener mobility
The fuel industry is constantly evolving, and the adoption of solutions such as ethanol-gasoline blending allows us to reconcile market needs with the need to reduce environmental impact.
With this project, San Marco Petroli confirms its role as a strategic partner for companies in the fuel sector, offering technologically-advanced solutions, compliant with regulations and oriented towards sustainability.
