Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
139. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the proportion of HVO fuel that is supplied within and to Ireland that is sustainable versus land use destructive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1907/24]
View answerUsed cooking oil (UCO) is a key feedstock for production of biodiesel and HVO but is a limited resource. Additional demand for UCO has an impact on cost which could lead to a risk of substitution with cheaper palm oil, which can have associated high-indirect land use change- risk globally.
The risk of fuel fraud in global biofuel feedstock supply chains is being addressed at a European level through the introduction of more rigorous verification requirements. These measures include the implementation of an EU Database for biofuels, and new supervision powers to Member States competent authorities to oversee certification bodies responsible for ensuring the verifying information entered in the EU Database by fuel suppliers.
Responding to recommendations in the Biofuel Study 2022 and Climate Change Advisory Council Annual Report 2022, a working group established by the Department of Transport under the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy, will address the potential risk or vulnerability to biofuel fraud (leading to high ILUC / indirect land use change risk), and other indirect impacts, as a result of the planned future increase in biofuels supply into Ireland under climate action plan targets, thereby supporting the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy’s sustainability objectives.
