The UK government has made a dramatic slow-down on its biofuel targets set for motor fuel. Transport Minister, Andrew Adonis has today announced plans to reduce the yearly obligation for the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) to allow for the development more environmentally sustainable biofuels.
The announcement comes following the publication of a consultation to discuss the finding of the Gallagher Review. The review published in February, sought to address concerns that biofuel production was causing a host of negative environmental and social impacts such as influencing the destruction of rainforests and pushing up food prices. The review concluded that the government should “amend but not abandon its biofuel policy”.
The RTFO, which currently sets a target for fossil fuel companies to ensure that biofuel makes up 5 per cent of their fuel by 2010/2011 will be moved to 2013/14.
At the same time Mr.Adonis has pledged £6 million to research being conducted by the Carbon Trust into the development of sustainable biofuel.
Mr Adonis said;
“Everyone agrees that to tackle climate change we must develop new and cleaner fuels. But we are clear that biofuels will only have a role to play in this if they are sustainably produced.”
