The UK’s trade body for anaerobic digestion (AD) has welcomed the Department for Transport’s (DfT’s) response to its consultation on the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), declaring biomethane to be “perfectly positioned” to meet increased targets for renewable fuels.
DfT’s reforms will obligate fuel suppliers to provide 9.75% of all fuels from renewable sources by 2020, a doubling of the current 4.75% obligation that will then rise to 12.4% of all fuels by 2032, helping to align the RTFO with the Government’s Carbon Budgets.
Biomethane produced through the recycling of organic wastes and energy crops is one such fuel derived from renewable sources that can help fuel suppliers to meet this new higher target, particularly for heavier vehicles for which electrification is impractical or expensive.
“The rising of the obligation for renewable-sourced fuels to 12.4% by 2032 goes beyond what was originally consulted on and will create a positive investment environment for renewable fuels.”
With more than 80 AD plants across the UK already producing biomethane, the UK AD industry has sufficient capacity today to produce enough biomethane to power 80% of the UK’s entire bus fleet and the potential to produce enough biomethane to power 75% of all HGVs in the UK. It can also be used directly on farms to fuel agricultural vehicles.
Charlotte Morton, Chief Executive of the Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association (ADBA), said of DfT’s response to the RTFO consultation: “ADBA greatly welcomes DfT’s increased commitment to supporting low-carbon fuels, which are essential for decarbonising the UK’s emissions-heavy transport sector and meeting our Carbon Budgets.
“The rising of the obligation for renewable-sourced fuels to 12.4% by 2032 goes beyond what was originally consulted on and will create a positive investment environment for renewable fuels.
“As a low-carbon, low-cost, and technology-ready transport fuel that can deliver £2.1bn in CO2e savings per year and dramatically improve air quality, biomethane is perfectly positioned to play a leading role in helping fuel suppliers to meet these increased targets.
“This news represents a huge opportunity for biomethane and will give plenty of food for thought and discussion at the ADBA Biomethane & Gas Vehicle Conference taking place in Leeds the week after next.”