Scotland proposes 10-fold increase in biodiesel use

Monday, Oct 13, 2008

The government of Scotland plans to increase the use of biofuels, including biodiesel, for transport. The goal is to increase the use from less than 1 percent to 10 percent by 2020 to contribute towards reducing emissions by 80 percent by 2050. The government is seeking feedback on the proposal, dubbed the Renewable Energy Framework, through Dec. 1 and plans to take action on the proposal in February, 2009. The 80-by-50 target is included in a proposed Scottish Climate Change Bill, which will be voted on by the end of the year.

According to the proposal, to use more biodiesel in Scotland, more investment will be needed in infrastructure, including for production and transport. The government expects that biodiesel will mainly be produced using European sunflower oil and imported palm oil. The report noted that biodiesel blends higher than 10 percent are recommended and might require enacting mandatory compatibility standards for new vehicles.

Source: Biodiesel Magazine