UK issues 827 million RTFCs in first eight months of 2017/2018 period

The UK government has issued 827 million Road Transport Fuel Certificates (RTFCs)  so far in the year 10 compliance period, according to data released Thursday by the Department for Transport (DfT).

Supply of renewable fuel in year 10, which runs from 15 April 2017 through to 14 April 2018, totalled 777 million litres for the period running from April 15 to December 15, which was equivalent to 3% of the total road and non-road machinery fuel, the department said.

Of the 777 million litres, 491 million litres were demonstrated to meet sustainability requirements. Of this 46% was sourced from bioethanol, 51% from biodiesel, 3% from biomethanol. This compares with figures for the April-June period of 43% sourced from bioethanol, 52% from biodiesel and 5% from biomethanol.

UK feedstock accounted for 30% of the biofuels consumed in the 6-month period. Used cooking oil remained the most widely-used source for biofuel from the UK, accounting for 26% of total sustainable fuel.

Of the 491 million litres, used cooking oil from the US was the single biggest feedstock, accounting for 14% of total sustainable fuels, and 27% of biodiesel.

The most widely reported source for bioethanol (by feedstock and country of origin) was wheat from UK, which accounted for 15% of total fuel, and 32% of bioethanol, the DfT said.

Total greenhouse gas saving was 78% excluding land use change, and 73% with the calculation applied, the department said.

In a separate report released by the DfT Thursday, the department said Year 9 issuance of RTFC credits was 2,564 million for the full 12 months, compared with Year 8 issuance of 2,484 million.