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BiofuelsThe CLA supported the introduction of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO). Current lobbying seeks to ensure that imported biofuels match the sustainability criteria demanded of those grown in the EU under the strict CAP regime that protects "Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions" and both natural resources (soil, air and water) and habitat in the EU. The CLA supports the work being undertaken by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, and welcomes the moves towards implementation of better carbon assurance for biofuels. The key issue is that public support for biofuels, in the CLA's view, should be directly related to the carbon saving and other benefits that they can deliver. The question of "food v fuel" is much more related to world demand and imports. The UK has the land, previously in set-aside, and an excess productive capacity which has, in the past, led to dumping of our grains on world markets. It is clear that an increased demand for biofuels will tend to increase crop prices, but the effects are hard to determine, given the wide range of other influences on the world price of grain. The bigger issue is the indirect effects. Demand for biofuel feedstock can increase the felling of rainforest and other high nature value habitat. The CLA is delighted to have helped persuade the EU Commission that where biofuel comes from such important habitats it will not qualify for support under the RTFO and will not count towards the EU biofuels target. We continue to work with the Renewable Fuels Agency to press for the early introduction of legislation to enforce sustainability. The CLA continues to argue for support for businesses that produce biofuels from waste cooking oil to be continued through the current fuel duty concession. We have been successful in this in the Finance Act 2010. We also lobby for more support for "flex fuel" vehicles which can use varying and higher percentages of biofuels. The CLA has been instrumental in bringing the potential for vehicles fuelled on renewable gas (made by Anaerobic Digestion or gasification of waste and waste wood) to the attention of the Government. Biomethane offers better carbon savings than almost any other biofuel. Gas-powered vehicles offer wider benefits, including better air quality - no soot or fumes - and reduced vehicle noise. The CLA is particularly concerned that biofuel processors should use best available techniques for low carbon processing of the feedstock in order to ensure the best carbon savings. Prof Nigel Mortimer of North Energy Associates has demonstrated the very large differences in carbon savings and the potential for carbon neutrality, if renewables are used to power fuel processing. See the paper he gave to the Agricultural Economics Society "Carbon Life Cycle Analyses" The CLA responded to the Renewable Fuels Agency “Gallagher Review” where the sustainability of biofuels targets was discussed. Further information is available on the RFA website Most recently CLA has publically attacked importers of biofuels that do not meet UK sustainability standards. See Latest releases for more details. |
Policy Contact Media Contacts Ollie Wilson T: 020 7460 7936
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