Coryton has developed its Sustain fuel to work in any vehicle that runs on forecourt fuels those that use renewable feedstocks for instance, not all synthetic fuels will be. Sustain fuels, on the other hand, all use sustainable fuel components, whether bio, synthetic or others, meaning they’ re guaranteed to deliver greenhouse gas savings when compared to fossil fuel.’
I ask Suresh if biofuels are simply better for the environment in every aspect, better to produce than extracting fossil fuels and from an emissions point of view.‘ Sustainable fuels effectively recycle their carbon, unlike fossil fuels. The carbon in a sustainable fuel is captured or absorbed from the atmosphere during the production process. For example, the agricultural products absorb CO2 whilst they grow. Once it is turned into fuel and burnt, that same carbon is then released back into the atmosphere for the plants to reabsorb. Fossil fuel, on the other hand, has held its carbon safe underground for millions of years. Burning it releases additional CO2 into the atmosphere that was not there before. The government’ s own statistics show sustainable fuel could reduce emissions by more than 80 % compared to fossil fuels.’ The Renewable Fuel Statistics 2023 Report from the Department of Transport found an 82 % saving against fossil fuels.‘ However, it is true that ICEs running on sustainable fuels still produce emissions at the tailpipe, albeit ones which have been recycled.
‘ But, if we want to look at the actual environmental impact of any fuel or vehicle, we really need to look at the bigger picture. Its life cycle runs from its production to its disposal, and the various stages involved in this cycle also include the creation of pollutants. If we really want to weigh up what’ s best for our planet, we need to explore the environmental impact of all these stages for every solution. And sustainable fuel is really the only option for existing ICE vehicles on our roads. It would make sense to do what we can to lower emissions there, rather than waiting to replace the entire fleet. The ICE is often seen as the problem, however, from a climate change perspective, it’ s the fossil fuels consumed that render the ICE harmful.’
A biofuel mix can’ t perform exactly the same as petrol or diesel, though, surely? Suresh describes what needs to be adapted in an internal combustion engine to make it suitable for a Sustain product.‘ It really depends on the fuel, the vehicle or engine in question, and its use. Sustain does offer a range of products that are completely compatible with any vehicle that runs on traditional forecourt fuels. This includes both our Sustain Classic and some of our Sustain Racing ranges.
40 The Engine Rebuilder Issue 01