In 2009, the rally implemented voluntary carbon offsetting to its competitors, and committed to working with Greening Australia to deliver zero nett emissions by its 20th Anniversary event in 2011.
The move to allow all competitors to use ethanol fuel is considered a vital part of the program. The fuel, made by CSR, is 85 per cent ethanol, and called E85. It was introduced into V8 Supercars this year with much fanfare, and Targa will be the second major motor sport event to introduce this state-of-the art fuel.
Event Director, Mark Perry, believes the fuel move is an important step.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase ethanol as a quality renewal fuel being used in high performance road cars,” Perry said.
“The use of E85 will see high performance sports cars cut their C02 emissions in half.”
“This heavily reduced output, multiplied by a field of cars up to 10 times the size of the V8s travelling the equivalent of two Bathurst races, means substantial reductions in the event’s emission output, and therefore will make our offset program even more efficient.”
“It’s a great innovation and shows we are willing to embrace technology and ensure that Targa remains relevant and doesn’t become a dinosaur of the past.”
“CSR has worked extremely hard to develop this product that not only reduces emission, but also meets the demands of high performance engines, and they are to be congratulated for their work in this vital area.”
“With the introduction of diesel vehicles last year and the strong possibility of hybrid vehicles competing for the first time in 2010, Targa continues to evolve and change. It is only a matter of time before electric cars are a common sight on Targa stages around the island.”
Ian Glasson, CEO of CSR Sugar, believes his company’s involvement with Targa is a good partnership.
“This event is an opportunity to demonstrate the environmental benefits of using renewable ethanol fuel," Glasson said.
“It is also a fantastic opportunity for us to contribute in a positive way to reducing emissions in Tasmania”.
Greening Australia CEO, Jonathon Duddles, welcomed the news.
“While our main aim in working with Targa Tasmania is to assist in offsetting all the event’s emissions by 2011, and ensure we continue to do that each year after, it is fantastic news that a fuel is being introduced that will reduce actual C02 output in the first instance.”
“Reducing emissions, as opposed to simply offsetting them, should remain the goal of all organisations. It is fantastic to see Targa embrace this opportunity and act on it quickly. It will certainly make the goal of zero nett emission by 2011 a much easier target to achieve.”
The second running of Targa's sister event, Targa Wrest Point, will take place in the state’s south on January 30 and 31 next year. Then the 19th Targa Tasmania is being run from April 27 to May 2, 2010.
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