Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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To achieve a 50% reduction in Carbon emissions by 2030 the Climate Action Plan biofuel target is to raise the blend proportion of biofuels in road transport to an equivalent of E10 (10% Ethanol in petrol) and B20 (20% biodiesel or HVO in diesel) by 2030, supporting carbon abatement of 1.08 MtCO2eq or 13.7% of overall transport sector carbon reduction under the Plan.

Achievement of the Climate Action Plan biofuel target is delivered through an annual increase in the rate of renewable transport fuel obligation (RTFO) on suppliers of road transport fuels to ensure that a proportion of the fuels they place on the market in Ireland are produced from renewable sources.

Suppliers have a have a variety of methods to meet the obligation, incentivising a competitive market action, e.g., Bioethanol in petrol, Biodiesel (FAME) or Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in diesel. However, HVO is expected to meet a large proportion of the increase in biofuel supply envisaged under the climate action plan transport biofuel target.

HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) is a drop-in bioliquid which can replace fossil diesel up to 100%, with GHG reduction benefits. When used in transport the HVO is referred to as biofuel. HVO bioliquid is also used as renewable energy for heating and power generators.

Supporting the supply of renewable energy in transport, the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy 2023-2025 sets out the pathway to the achievement of both Climate Action Plan targets and European obligations concerning sustainability and GHG reduction criteria.

The RTFO rate is currently set at 21% (by energy) of renewable transport fuel as a proportion of total road transport fossil fuel supply. Renewable transport fuel (incl. HVO) must fulfil EU criteria for sustainability and GHG reduction to qualify under the obligation. The obligation is administered by the National Oil Reserves Agency.

The European Fuel Quality Directive does not establish a maximum limit for the supply of HVO biofuel in road transport fuel. The relevant European standard EN 15940 sets out the requirements for paraffinic diesel fuel from synthesis or hydrotreatment.

Outside of the legal requirement on fuel suppliers under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, it remains an optional fuel choice for the public and commercial users to avail of the 100% HVO offer. However, it is understood that there are only a small number of publicly accessible HVO only pumps across the country.

I have no plan to run a public information campaign concerning HVO biofuel.