Biofuel use in UK is stagnating, new government figures show

According to trade body Renewable Energy Association (REA), the UK government should consider enforcing E10 to boost the biofuels industry.

The UK’s biofuel industry employs more than 10,000, largely in the North-East of England.

‘Warning of closures’

More than £1bn (€800 million) has been invested in existing production facilities, yet the industry is warning of closures if the government introduces a damaging “crop cap” that is too strict, according to the REA.

Commenting on the release of the quarterly publication DUKES by the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, REA head of policy and external affairs, James Court, said: “This data shows that the volume of renewable biofuel used in the UK has stagnated.

“There has been no significant growth in the use of biofuel since 2013, yet it is crucial if we are to meet our fast-approaching 2020 renewable energy targets. The government should immediately enforce E10 which would compel fuel suppliers to use 10% renewable petrol in the mix.

“More renewable petrol would support the nation’s farmers and growers and would have an immediate and positive impact on carbon emissions and urban air quality.”

This story was written by Liz Gyekye, editor of Biofuels International.

To find out more about the biofuels market come and visit the tenth Biofuels International Conference & Expo. Register now for Biofuels International 2017 for two days of essential learning to network with experts, sharpen your biofuels knowledge and improve your skills, on 4-5 October.