Advanced drop-in biofuels could be essential in decarbonising the shipping, aviation and heavy duty road vehicle sectors.

That’s the suggestion made in a new Department for Transport commissioned study from consultancy E4tech, which states the technology will have to play a major role in the clean energy transition if the UK is to meet its ambitious emissions reduction targets.

Currently, the greatest opportunity to source these fuels, which can replace diesel, gasoline and jet fuel without having to make changes to vehicles, is from household, commercial and industrial wastes.

The report suggests new and updated policy frameworks are needed to allow the industry to be competitive with other technologies.

It is currently considered to be a relatively high risk investment, given past failures, high capital costs and reliance on government support.

The report calls for greater clarity about how the policy framework will extend beyond 2030 and claims the aviation and marine sectors are likely to require more support than road transport fuels.

It also suggests existing financial incentive schemes and infrastructure development initiatives should cover advanced drop-in biofuel projects along with other renewable energies.