PKN ORLEN launches pilot sales of BIO85 for Flexifuel vehicles (FFV)
PKN ORLEN is Poland’s first fuel company to add to its offering the innovative biofuel BIO85. With its launch, PKN ORLEN wants to accommodate the ever stringent requirements of the National Indicative Target, whereby oil companies are required to gradually increase the share of bio-components in total fuel sales.
BIO85 is an innovative and environmentally friendly fuel, containing up to 85% of bioethanol and 15% of unleaded petrol, designed to be used in vehicles equipped with the Flexifuel technology (FFV). The carbon footprint of biofuels is some 25% lower than that of their petroleum-based counterparts.
Poland’s first BIO85 pump was launched at the PKN ORLEN service station in Wawelska street, Warsaw. The symbolic ribbon cutting was performed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy Waldemar Pawlak (who was the guest of honour at the ceremony) together with PKN ORLEN’s CEO Jacek Krawiec. The event was also attended by representatives of the Ministry of the Economy’s Energy Department and by CEO of Volvo Auto Polska Arkadiusz Nowiński.
- I am very glad that ORLEN – looking for different ways to ensure compliance with the National Indicative Target – turns to innovative, safe and natural fuels. Producers which decide to take similar steps can count on the Government’s full support. To this end, we have established the Biofuel and Bio-component Support Programme - said Deputy Prime Minister Waldemar Pawlak.
CEO of PKN ORLEN Jacek Krawiec believes that, in addition to being a step towards meeting the National Indicative Target, the pilot sales of BIO85 are also a way to expand PKN ORLEN’s product portfolio.
- I am convinced that the introduction of BIO85 is a step in the right direction. Going forward, this type of biofuel is likely to support our implementation of the National Indicative Target, which imposes on fuel companies more and more stringent quantitative requirements regarding bio-component sales. On the other hand, the automotive industry is increasingly more interested in environmentally friendly products, which can also guarantee excellent performance of vehicles. I am happy that we are the first fuel company in Poland to implement this innovative product - added Jacek Krawiec.
Cars equipped with the Flexifuel technology have been available in Poland for several years now. They are offered by such automakers as Volvo and Ford. However, due to the fact that it was impossible to buy BIO85 at Polish filling stations, Flexifuel vehicles have not enjoyed as widespread popularity as they have in Western Europe. In many European countries, owners of vehicles running on BIO85 receive tax credits or road traffic privileges, which further adds to the appeal of FFVs.
- In Western Europe, FFV cars are hugely popular. We believe that with the launch of BIO85 sales this trend will also come to Poland. Volvo’s offering includes one of the widest selections of FFV models - seven models and two engines. I am convinced that, if there is demand, we are able to supply as many FFV vehicles as the Polish market can absorb - said Arkadiusz Nowiński, CEO of Volvo Auto Poland.
It is envisaged that the pilot sales of BIO85 at the PKN Orlen service station will continue until the end of September. During that time, the Company will gauge Polish drivers’ demand for the biofuel. Based on the information gathered in the process, a decision will be made whether to further develop the BIO85 distribution network.
