The UK has achieved the biofuels targets it set a year ago under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) according to provisional data released by the UK's Renewable Fuels Agency today (15th July). Altogether, between April 2008 and April 2009, 1,251 million litres of biofuel have been supplied under the RTFO, equating to approximately 2.6% of total road transport fuel, 0.1% over the target.

While the overall target for biofuel use has been met, the figures show a disappointing result when it comes to sustainability of the fuels, with only 24% of biofuels meeting an environmental standard, compared to the target of 30%. However, these figures are heavily skewed with 99% of the fuel reported as coming from UK feedstocks meeting the environmental sustainability standards.

Commenting on the disappointing results for sustainability CEO Nick Goodall said, "These results have made tangible the evidence that sustainable biofuels are possible. However, some companies have failed to show a commitment to sourcing fuels that meet the required standard." Goodall cocontinued, "In general, suppliers are starting to rise to the challenge of tracing the sustainability of their fuels."

Based on the RFA's 'lifecycle analysis' of biofuel emissions, the fuel supplied delivered a 47% reduction in greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels, exceeding the 40% target. These savings do not yet include the indirect emissions identified in the Gallagher review.

Aaron Berry, the RFA's Head of Carbon and Sustainability, explained: "Progress by projects such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil and the Better Sugarcane Initiative show reason for optimism, as does the commitment of those companies that have undertaken their own sustainability audits."

He went on to explain that the reporting system is seen as a stepping stone to mandatory sustainability, and the sustainability targets are all raised in the coming year. They should be achievable if suppliers commit to sourcing sustainably.