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APPG for British Bioethanol: E10 will help UK achieve GHG reduction targets

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Bioethanol has published its final report on the introduction of E10, a fuel blend containing 10% ethanol, which offers key recommendations to government.

The report stemmed from an inquiry launched earlier this year into the lack of progress made by the Department for Transport (DfT) in the publication of its own consultation on E10, which ended in September 2018.

The final report warns that without the quick introduction of E10 – by 2020 at the latest – the UK’s bioethanol industry is likely to continue to decline and ultimately disappear, resulting in the loss of thousands of jobs.

The introduction of E10 into the UK would help the country to achieve its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets, which is particularly important in light of Prime Minister Theresa May’s recent announcement of a new target for the UK to be carbon neutral by 2050.

Moreover, without a British bioethanol industry, the UK will become increasingly reliant on scarce and less sustainable imported biofuel, such as used cooking oil from China.

Following these key findings, the report outlines the APPG’s final recommendations to the UK Government, namely that the DfT should publish its consultation on E10 without delay.

Additionally, the report calls for the Secretary of State for Transport to hold an emergency summit on the future of the UK’s bioethanol industry, bringing together stakeholders to discuss the best course of action to mandate the introduction of E10.

Introduction of E10 is a ‘no brainer’

“Through this Inquiry, we have sought to surface and explore the facts – taking written and oral evidence from the widest possible range of stakeholders from fuel producers and farmers – in order to identify concerns which stand in the way of introducing E10 in the UK,” said Nic Dakin, chair of the APPG.

“While the Department for Transport was invited to contribute to the work of this inquiry via written or oral evidence, they declined to do so, which is regrettable. While Brexit undoubtedly continues to preoccupy much of the department’s time, as it does with many other departments, this should not be at the expense of progressing vitally important policy. Indeed, policy that the department itself has committed to prioritise.

“Nonetheless, I hope the department now takes heed of the findings and recommendations in this final report, and the collective efforts of this group and those who has contributed to our work, will help progress discussions and dislodge a positive decision on this issue by the department in the very near future, facilitating the managed introduction of this cleaner, greener fuel by 2020 at the latest. A development which members of this APPG as well as its chair believe is a ‘no brainer’.”

During the APPG’s inquiry, the group gathered evidence from 12 stakeholders from the UK, France and Belgium, and held two oral evidence sessions in the UK Parliament in May.

The APPG’s final report can be accessed here.




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