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UK enforces RTFO

18th April, 2008

All petrol and diesel sold at UK petrol stations will now include at least 2.5% biofuels, under the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO), which was enforced on April 15.

The renewable fuels are made from crops such as sugarcane or maize. The target will rise to 5% by 2010.

Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick says gradually introducing biofuels could help save millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide in the next few years. 'The UK has done more than any other country to make sure they are produced sustainably,' Fitzpatrick comments. 'We will not increase biofuels targets beyond 5% unless we are satisfied this can be done without damaging the environmental impacts.'

The RTFO is modelled on the existing Renewables Obligation in the UK electricity supply industry. The transport sector is responsible for 25% of emissions and through this initiative the RTFO expects to reduce the carbon emissions from road transport in 2010 by about 0.7 - 0.8 million tonnes, equivalent to taking 2.6 - 3.0 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.