Is further R&D of hydrous ethanol being conducted?
Further research and validation work is ongoing. HE Blends is continuing test programs worldwide, including operation and testing of vehicles with hydrous ethanol/gasoline blends. Independent research regarding technological and economical benefits of hydrous ethanol are currently ongoing in the Netherlands, US, Switzerland, Indonesia, Australia, Malawi and other countries. Expanded testing and in-use demonstration programs by HE Blends are intended to satisfy ethanol stakeholders worldwide of the effectiveness of hydrous ethanol for gasoline blending and facilitate the approval and market introduction of hydrous ethanol for gasoline blending. Efforts are currently being focused on conducting parallel testing of midlevel anhydrous and hydrous ethanol blends in the US for increasing the RFS (renewable fuels standard) and blending rates. Germany and The Netherlands are jointly conducting evaluations of hydrous and anhydrous ethanol for engine GHGE in addition to improving fuel efficiency
