"Somerset drive for biofuel is the road to success" - Watson

12.00.00am GMT Thu 19th Jan 2006

From L-R: EU Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer-Boel, Patrick Palmer, Malcolm Shepherd of Wessex Grain and Graham Watson MEP try out a Flexi Fuel Vehicle (FFV)

Graham Watson, Lib Dem MEP for South West England and Gibraltar, today hailed the Somerset Biofuels Project, due for launch next week, as leading the way for the rest of the UK in promoting the use of biofuel.

"Biofuel really is a key factor in changing the way we think about power and pollution. With a looming 'energy gap' on the horizon, now is the time to be thinking about alternatives such as biofuel. I am delighted that Wessex Water and Avon & Somerset Police will be using a number of biofuel cars. Having looked at buying a Flexi Fuelled Vehicle (FFV) myself, I can see that the increased number of forecourts now selling biofuel in Bridgwater, Taunton, Shepton Mallet, Bristol and Bath will help people make the change to energy-efficient and environmentally-friendlier travel."

The fuel will be produced by Wessex Grain, at Henstridge, where Somerset wheat will be converted into renewable bio-ethanol which reduces emissions of greenhouse gases by as much as 75%. Not only is bio-ethanol cheaper, but it is also less dangerous and will create jobs in agricultural and industrial sectors.

Graham Watson continued:

"I would like to see Somerset lead the UK to meet the European objective of 20% alternative motor fuels by the year 2020. Somerset County Council is to be commended on taking the initiative in shaping our future."