OfReg grants import permit to Refuel for new more sustainable fuel alternative E85

Cayman Islands Utilities regulator OfReg has issued an import permit for a new alternative fuel known as ‘FLEXFUEL’ or ‘E85’ to local retailer, Refuel.

The new E85 fuel type is widely used in other countries around the world and is an automotive fuel blend of ethanol and gasoline. Through its Fuel Standards Committee, OfReg has established the Cayman Islands standard for E85 and approved a Class 1 designation that means the percentage of ethanol in the blend with gasoline must be between 70% and 83% to maximise the drivability of vehicles.

Flex fuels are largely accepted to be more sustainable than traditional gasoline as ethanol is a renewable fuel source mostly derived from corn. E85 fuel imported to Cayman means less harmful fossil fuel emissions such as CO2 due to the much lower gasoline content in the fuel.

On the introduction of the new E85 fuel to the Cayman Islands, OfReg Deputy Chief Fuels Inspector Mr. Ken Springer said the new fuel also supports the Cayman Islands National Energy Policy (NEP), “The Fuel Standards Committee has adopted a fuel quality standard for the bulk import of E85 that provides Cayman with a high-quality alternative fuel for flex fuel vehicles that is more sustainable and produces lower greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline only fuels.

This is a requirement of the NEP and as the Utility regulator, we are required to ensure alternatives such as E85 are made available to consumers.”

According to OfReg CEO, Mr. Peter Gough, new fuel types such as E85 are another example of OfReg’s commitment to ensuring critical national infrastructure like the fuel supply chain is prepared for the future. He said, “Planning for Cayman’s future energy requirements for vehicles as how they are powered evolves, includes fuel diversification and introducing alternative fuel types such as E85.

OfReg is committed to ensuring the highest standards and quality of fuels reach the Cayman Islands.”