Ethanol fuels for spark ignition engines

In the European Union, road transport is responsible for 20% of emissions into the atmosphere, while remaining in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, the second largest sector of the economy. In order to reduce the emissions of these gases, the EU recommends the gradual increase in the share of renewable energy in fuels used for transport. In the case of fuels used for SI engines, the most widely used biofuel is E85 ethanol fuel. Ethanol is an attractive and perspective component for the production of fuels for spark ignition engines. Its undisputed advantages may include, amongst other things, the potential of the reduction of harmful emissions into the atmosphere, less toxic effects, as well as the possibility of increasing the level of energy security. Simultaneously its different physical and chemical properties with regard to gasoline, require further research and solution to lots of technical challenges for the development of optimal ethanol-gasoline fuel blends, having the required operational properties, as well as being compatible with existing and future engine constructions.