Department of Energy adds new category of alternative fuels

P-series fuels are blends of ethanol, methyltetrahydrofuran (MTHF), natural gas liquids and butane. The ethanol and MTHF must be derived from renewable domestic feedstocks, such as corn, waste paper, cellulosic biomass, agricultural waste and construction wood waste. P-series fuels’ emissions are generally below those for reformulated gasoline and are well below federal emissions standards.

“P-series fuels, produced from renewable, domestic feedstocks, have the potential to replace approximately one billion gallons of gasoline annually by 2005,” said Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson. “The use of P-series fuels will also help the US reduce pollution from automobiles and fight greenhouse gas emissions.”

P-series fuels join the list of alternative fuels that includes ethanol, methanol, natural gas, propane, electricity, 100 percent biodiesel and hydrogen.

Pure Energy Corporation, a New York-based company, holds the exclusive worldwide license to manufacture and distribute the P-series fuels.

P-series fuels are designed for, and have been tested on, ethanol flexible-fuel vehicles which are capable of running on gasoline, E85 (85 percent ethanol mixed with 15 percent gasoline), or a blend of the two. Ethanol flexible-fuel vehicles are currently available from major automobile manufacturers as mid-size sedans, minivans and compact pick-up trucks. Before vehicles can be used for compliance with the DoE’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program, automobile manufacturers must certify the use of the P-series fuels.