Biofuel Blend Waivers

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The Ministry of Economic Development administers the Petroleum Product Specifications Regulations 2002 ("the PPSR") established under the Ministry of Energy (Abolition) Act 1989.

When ethanol is blended with petrol it has the effect of producing a blend with a greater volatility which is likely to be non-compliant with the PPSR.

The PPSR will be amended to allow waivers for certain volatility properties for ethanol/petrol blends of more than 1% and up to 10% volume ethanol. Without these waivers the significant supply of ethanol blends in New Zealand would require a special petroleum blendstock, which has significant supply and cost implications.

"Waiver" is used as a generic term to refer to an exemption or relaxation of requirements.

Cabinet Paper - Petroleum Products Specifications Regulations: Biofuel Blend Waivers and Amendments to the Diesel Carbon Residue Property [ Published 06 December 2006 ]
This paper proposed limited waivers to vapour pressure and distillation properties for ethanol/petrol blends in the PPSR. This paper also proposed that the diesel specification carbon residue be amended. Recommendations in this paper were approved.
Regulatory Impact Statement - Petroleum Products Specifications Regulations: Biofuel Blend Waivers [ Published 06 December 2006 ]
Regulatory impact statement on the proposal for limited waivers to vapour pressure and distillation properties for ethanol/petrol blends in the Petroleum Products Specifications Regulations.
Fuel Specifications - Biofuel Blends Waivers Discussion Document [ Published 10 October 2006 ]
Discussion document that outlines, and seeks feedback on, potential waivers for biofuels in the Petroleum Products Specifications Regulations 2002.
Investigation of Fuel Specification Waivers for Biofuel Blends [ Published 01 September 2006 ]
Technical report investigating the ability of biofuels to meet specific properties in the Petroleum Products Specifications Regulations 2002