This group covers:

• Biomass-derived fuels
• Bioethanol
• Biodiesel
• Biogas

Main policy areas:

• The Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation
• Carbon savings and sustainability of bio-fuel production
• Duty levels for renewable transport fuels
• Opportunities ofr high-blend transport fuels and the vehicles, whcih use them

Participation and personnel

Subject to the bye-laws, any REA member is able to participate in any sector group. 

There are already over 150 members of this group.

Chairman & Nominated Director

Doug Ward CBE of Argent Energy Ltd

Nominated Alternate

Sean Sutcliffe of Biofuels Corporation Trading Ltd

Bio-fuels sector specialist

Clare Wenner

REA policy Analyst

Paul Thompson

Activities

The focus of the RTFG is to facilitate the establishment of an efficient and enduring biofuels market. The introduction of an effective Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation is therefore a key focus for the group, which is providing input to the scheme design and procedures for carbon accounting and sustainability assurance. The Association’s unrivalled knowledge of the Renewable (Electricity) Obligation and its early work on carbon accounting forms an excellent basis for this work, and a dedicated REA working group is established to address these issues.

Other issues include longevity and rationalisation of fuel duty rebates, Enhanced Capital Allowances, standards and the trading of biofuels, market development and promotion.

Sub-groups

The Renewable Transport Fuels Group has established two sub-groups in connection with our work on the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation. On deals with the design of the RTFO and another with sustainability issues concerning the production and delivery of renewable transport fuels.

A working group addressing the development of a market for higher blends of biofuels – for instance in commercial and public transport fleets - has also been established.

Projects and ongoing work:

The REA participates in the Low Carbon Vehicles Partnership as a member of the Steering Group and the Fuels Working Group. Strong working relationships are maintained with other organisations active in the sector including AUKOI, CLA, EIC, NFU and UKPIA. At a European level the Association maintains links with the European Biodiesel Board and the European Bioethanol Fuel Association (eBio).

Meetings and events

Meetings of the Bio-energy group are held about four times per year. The frequency of sub-groups meetings depends on the activity level, particularly in relation to the national policy agenda.

The REA holds an annual bioenergy conference, covering renewable transport fuels and all other biomass applications.
Meetings of the RTFG are held approximately quarterly. Working group meetings are held as required.