The British Renewable Fuels Agency recently stated that the vast majority of biofuels sold at UK gas stations do not meet environmental standards. Although fuel suppliers meet the legally-binding quantitative targets, they are far from reaching the voluntary environmental standards. The agency also pointed out that due to the fact that fuel must be added with biofuels, it also reduces overall emissions.
The Renewable Fuels Agency is the UK's independent regulator of biofuels and is responsible for the implementation of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation Act RTFO. According to the Act, a certain percentage of biofuel must be blended into the fuel sold at UK gas stations. In the first year of the 2008-2009 implementation of the Act, the ratio was 2.5%, and then it increased year by year. By 2013-2014, it must contain 5% biofuel. According to the second year's provisional data, the UK has sold nearly 1.6 billion tons of biofuels, mainly blended with traditional fossil fuels, which is equivalent to 3.33% of the total fuel sold, which is higher than the government's set. The 3.25% goal.
However, a spokesman for the Renewable Fuels Agency said that although the quantity has been reached, "it is disappointed that more and more companies do not use biofuels produced according to recognized environmental standards as a fuel source." The agency data shows that only 33% of biofuels meet environmental standards, which is far below the target of 50% set in 2009-2010. Of the raw materials used to produce biofuels in the UK, 80% are imported, and most of them do not meet environmental standards.
The spokesperson also added that the decree is to cut carbon dioxide emissions. This primary goal has been achieved. Data for this year show that the decree has been successful in reducing emissions, exceeding expectations. Compared with traditional diesel or gasoline, biofuels can cut carbon emissions by 51%. The annual reduction target set by the ordinance is 45%, which is equivalent to a reduction in the emissions of 500,000 vehicles.
However, the spokesperson also warned that the figures only reflect the directly measurable emission reductions of biofuels compared with fossil fuels, and do not take into account the potential impact of indirect land use changes. The situation of indirect land use change is very complicated and difficult to directly measure. For example, the land originally used for growing grain was turned into fuel crops, but the demand for food still led to the deforestation of the primeval forest, thus opening up more arable land for food production.
Critics point out that the increase in demand for biofuels worldwide has accelerated the loss of animal and plant habitats and exacerbated food insecurity. At present, most biofuels use grain crops such as grains and soybeans as raw materials. Technological advancement will promote the emergence of "second-generation biofuels" that can use waste from food crops and woody plants grown on barren land as raw materials.
Proponents of biofuels believe that new technologies will significantly increase the environmental performance of renewable fuels. Some developers are committed to the development of "third generation biofuels", such as the production of biofuels using large amounts of algae as raw materials.
According to the current regulations, only quantitative indicators are mandatory, but carbon emission reduction and environmental protection standards are all voluntary. However, this situation will change, "EU Renewable Energy Directive" Renewable Fuel Directive will take effect at the end of this year, the directive requires member states to ensure that biofuels meet environmental protection and carbon emission reduction standards.