• REA warmly receives the RTFO consultation response and the Transport Decarbonisation Plan proposals for fuel;
• REA pleased that the government have heeded the industry’s calls for the RTFO 2032 target to be increased by 5%;
• Support for Recycled Carbon Fuels (RCF) is also welcomed in principle where these can be shown to deliver real carbon savings.

The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) have welcomed the 5% increase set out by the government’s response to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) consultation. The REA have been urging the government to introduce the higher target and welcome the determination to ensure the main changes are in place by 1 January 2022.

The Department for Transport estimates that increasing the targets by 5% to 2032 will save an additional 23.6 million tonnes of CO2 by 2032, the equivalent to taking 1.9 million cars off the road.

REA also endorses the government’s intention to bring forward a low carbon fuel strategy as outlined in the newly published Transport Decarbonisation Plan.

The need for an integrated approach for fuels has long been advocated by the REA, with the Association saying that clarity is urgently needed for the industry. The REA also welcomes the acknowledgement of the importance of increasing GHG savings from fuels that are available now – particularly in the HGV sector.

REA have also welcomed, in principle, the government’s support for Recycled Carbon Fuels (RCF) where these can be shown to deliver real carbon savings.

REA have responded to the ‘electric vehicle’ elements of the TDP and the publication of the smart charging consultation response separately.

Paul Thompson, Head of Renewable Transport Fuels at the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA), said:

“The REA is delighted that the government has listened to our representations and will bring in a 5% increase for the RTFO targets by 2032. We have been urging the government to introduce the higher target and welcome the determination to ensure the various changes are in place by 1 January 2022. We also welcome, in principle, the government’s support for RCFs where these can be shown to deliver real carbon savings.”

“The Transport Decarbonisation Plan represents important progress for the renewable fuels sector. We are pleased that the government intends to put together a low carbon fuel strategy as clarity is urgently needed on the long-term approach if we are to unlock the investments needed in fuels production and infrastructure.

“We also note the intention to work to maximise savings from fuels in the short and medium-term. This is essential, even in sectors where the solutions in the future are expected to be battery electric or hydrogen powered. We cannot allow these long-term prospects to become an excuse for inaction in the meantime.”

—ENDS—

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Jack Abbott, PR and Communications Manager,
07862 038370/ [email protected]

Notes to editors:

The government’s response to the RTFO consultation can be read here in full: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1001880/targeting-net-zero-next-steps-for-the-renewable-transport-fuels-obligation-government-response.pdf

The Transport decarbonisation plan can be read here in full: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1002285/decarbonising-transport-a-better-greener-britain.pdf

About the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA):

The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (known as the REA) is the UK’s largest trade association for renewable energy and clean technologies with around 550 members operating across heat, transport, power and the Circular Economy. The REA is a not-for-profit organisation representing fourteen sectors, ranging from biogas and renewable fuels to solar and electric vehicle charging. Membership ranges from major multinationals to sole traders.

For more information, visit: www.r-e-a.net