UK Government revises 2020 renewable fuels goal

The UK Government has announced it will increase the target for the use of renewable fuels in the transport sector. The Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RFTO) has been amended to […]

The UK Government has announced it will increase the target for the use of renewable fuels in the transport sector.

The Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RFTO) has been amended to raise the percentage of renewable fuel in petrol and diesel to 9.7% by 2020 and 12.4% by 2032.

That’s an increase from a 4.75% share today.

The new targets are expected to result in 5% to 6% renewable energy in the overall transport fuel mix.

The crop cap will also be set at 4% in 2018, falling to 3% in 2026 and 2% in 2032, to restrict the use of crops in the production of biomethane.

Transport Minister John Hayes said: “Looking ahead it is clear that low carbon fuels have further potential to deliver economic benefits and carbon reductions. This is because industry, with government support, is developing fuels made from wastes and residues.

“These ‘advanced’ biofuels could offer significant carbon savings without the sustainability concerns of those derived from crops. And crucially, thanks to the use of high-tech, novel processing technologies, these fuels are also up to the task of fuelling aviation and freight while lowering carbon emissions.”

While the new targets have been welcomed by industry, concerns about hindering job growth in the biofuels sector remain.

The Renewable Energy Association also believes the decision to decrease the use of sustainable crops in renewable fuel production “raises the question whether fuel suppliers will supply an increasing amount of renewable bioethanol”.

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