Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has signed off on new Renewable Transport Fuel Regulations 2023 which will support Ireland’s continued transition to cleaner and sustainable forms of fuel mixes in its transport fleet and help meet the country’s Climate Action Plan targets.
This follows on from a statutory consultation on draft Regulations which took place throughout the month of March on the move to E10 and the incentivisation of the supply of other renewable transport targets for biofuels, biogas and renewable fuels of non-biological origin.
These renewable transport fuel regulations complete a suite of regulatory changes which have been implemented in close partnership and consultation with stakeholders over the past two years, as committed to in the Renewable Fuel for Transport Policy 2021.
The Regulations support the Climate Action Plan E10/B20 target by 2030 and complement further targets for the production of biomethane and the use of green hydrogen in transport into the future. Under the Regulations, the move to E10 will continue through forecourts across the country up to 1 July 2023.
The Regulations incentivising certain renewable transport fuels include those such as HVO and Biomethane, which can contribute to further decarbonising the hard to abate HDV and road haulage sectors. The regulations also include incentives for renewable transport fuels supply for use in aviation and maritime sectors.
In response to concerns raised during the statutory consultation process, the Minister modified the draft regulations to expand incentives to other renewable transport fuel, targeting production and supply by small indigenous biofuel companies and the agricultural waste feedstock supply chains supporting these businesses. As demand grows globally for biofuels and their feedstocks, this Renewable Fuels for Transport policy recognises the need to ensure sustainable Irish production is not put at a competitive disadvantage and that we do not become overly reliant on imported biofuels over time.
Commenting on the Renewable Transport Fuel Regulations, Minister Eamon Ryan, said:
“Renewable transport fuel is an important transition measure for transport decarbonisation, until we realise the shift to electrification, and further increase other modes such a public transport and active travel.
The statutory consultation on the regulations has provided a welcome opportunity to engage with stakeholders and hear their views, and I encourage future engagement as we move ahead.
Further consultation on the next iteration of the renewable transport fuel policy 2023-2025 is an opportunity to continue this conversation with stakeholders, to review the progress of implemented measures in delivering objectives, and to ensure we align policy and action with European and domestic targets and requirements for reduction in transport greenhouse gas emissions.”
