Recently, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body for Formula One (F1) racing, made headlines with the announcement of the first barrels of 100% sustainable fuel made from bio-waste. This development is part of FIA’s ongoing commitment towards making F1 carbon neutral by 2030 and having sustainable races by 2025.
Formula One or F1, is an international auto racing sport featuring single-seat, open-wheel, open cockpit cars that are governed by a specific set of rules or ‘formula’. F1 is renowned for having the fastest regulated road-course racing cars in the world.
F1’s Carbon Footprint: A Closer Look
The direct effects of F1’s driving activities result in around 2,56,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, equivalent to powering approximately 30,000 UK houses over the same duration. Interestingly though, it’s not the cars themselves that contribute to most of the sport’s emissions. In 2019, only 0.7% of emissions came from the cars while logistics of transporting equipment globally accounted for 45%. Business travels contributed 27.7%, factories and servicing facilities 19.3%, and event operations 7.3%.
However, these figures do not take into account the fans’ contribution, the transport and accommodation needs of millions of spectators escalate F1’s total carbon footprint to an estimated 1.9 million tonnes annually.
Transition to 100% Sustainable Fuels
One prominent solution F1 plans to implement to reduce its environmental impact is the use of energy-efficient engines running on sustainably produced fuel. Since 1989, F1 has embarked on various initiatives to enhance engine efficiency. The most significant of these was the global fuel economy initiative launched in 2007, aimed at cutting fuel consumption by 50%.
In 2020, FIA declared the development of a 100% sustainable fuel. This third-generation biofuel made from industrial or agricultural waste products is set to be used by 2026. Current regulations require only 5.75% bio-components in F1 fuels, which will increase to 10% by 2022. FIA aims to transition completely to 100% advanced sustainable fuels by 2025.
Understanding Biofuels
Biofuels are hydrocarbon fuels produced from organic matter over a short time. These could be solid (like wood or dried plant material), liquid (such as Bioethanol and biodiesel) or gaseous (Biogas) and can replace or supplement traditional fossil fuels.
There are different generations of biofuels. First-generation fuels are made from food sources like sugar, starch, vegetable oil, or animal fats. Second generation biofuels use non-food crops or food crop waste. The third generation uses microorganisms like algae, grown on land unsuitable for food production. Fourth-generation biofuels involve the use of genetically engineered crops that absorb high amounts of carbon, which is captured during the fuel production process.
India’s Initiatives in Biofuel
India has taken significant steps towards promoting biofuel usage. One such initiative is the proposed introduction of E20 fuel (a blend of 20% ethanol with gasoline). The Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana, launched in 2019, aims at setting up commercial projects and boosting research and development in the second-generation ethanol sector. Furthermore, the Government reduced the GST from 18% to 5% on ethanol for blending in fuel. India’s National Biofuel Policy of 2018 categorises biofuels as “”Basic Biofuels” and “”Advanced Biofuels” to extend appropriate financial and fiscal incentives under each category.
This shift towards sustainable and energy-efficient fuels not only marks a significant milestone in F1’s history but also sets an example for other sports and industries to follow in the fight against climate change.
