Total and Oleon - The first biodiesel on the Belgian market
Brussels, 23 November 2006 – Loyal to its innovation strategy and commitment to biofuels, Total, market leader in Belgium, offers as first petrol company biodiesel to the Belgian driver. On 1 November 2006 the fiscal beneficial measures for biofuels became effective.
The in East-Flanders located oleochemical company Oleon produces as first biodiesel in Belgium. Oleon is one of the 4 producers who received permission of the government to produce biodiesel (FAME= Fatty Acid Methyl Ester).The first deliveries to Total of this pure biodiesel (FAME), produced by Oleon, were done mid November. The very first biodiesel fill up was today in the Total highway petrol station in Nijvel in the presence of the Minister of Merchants and Agriculture, Mrs. Sabine Laruelle, and Mr. Didier Reynders, Vice Premier and Minister of Finances and Mr. Bruno Tobback, Minister of Environment and Pensions.
The Belgian driver who fills up at Total will not have to look for a separate pump for biodiesel. The biodiesel will be available at the “standard” Total Excellium Diesel-pump. The pure biodiesel (FAME) will be blended with the “standard” diesel in the depots or at the refinery of Total in Antwerp, before it is delivered to the petrol station. With a blending of 5 % FAME in the “standard” diesel, biodiesel is suited for all vehicles with diesel motor and this without any modification to the motor.