25th Jersey International Motoring Festival turns eco

Sunday, 9 February 2025 10:00

Jersey International Motoring Festival is going green to celebrate 25 years.

All competitive vehicles will be using sustainable fuels this year - hoping to achieve a 65% reduction in carbon emissions.

JIMF hopes to use a synthetic fuel made in the UK. It is made using the agricultural industry's by-products, meaning it does not compete with food production - unlike the majority of ethanol-based fuels.

The festival will also use RD100, a sustainable diesel, used by the food stalls in 2024.

Event Coordinator Steve Salmon says:

"We are stepping into cutting-edge technology by introducing sustainable fuel to the event."

Jersey International Motoring Festival

However, making the JIMF more eco-friendly comes at a cost, not ordinarily obtainable for competitors.

Steve Salmon continues to say the aim is to subsidise the costs of what currently is a very low production volume fuel, and bring it in line with standard petrol at the pump.

"Pushing the additional costs onto any of our stakeholders wouldn’t be viable this year, but we know it’s a step we need to take for the future of the event."

Organisers are asking the government for support and sponsorship opportunities, which have been unavailable to the motor festival if it uses fossil fuels.

Jersey International Motoring Festival

The Jersey International Motoring Show, much like other island festivals, has faced many challenges in recent years, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and rising cost of living causing pressures on sponsorships.

Despite this, organisers say the four-day event has remained financially stable.

An estimated 40,000 people attend the event, which this year will be held 5 to 8 June.

Jersey International Motoring Festival