RTFA calls for addition of ethanol SAF mandate

The Renewable Transport Fuel Association (RTFA) has called upon the UK Government to amend the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandate to allow the use bioethanol as a feedstock for production of SAF via the alcohol-to-jet pathway.

“We are calling for the SAF Mandate to be amended, in order that British bioethanol is eligible for the SAF mandate, as an alternative to HEFA, i.e. either HEFA or crop-based AtJ SAF made from UK bioethanol can be used to fulfil the HEFA cap,” said the RTFA in a statement.

The association said the change in SAF mandate would open a market for British ethanol producers especially after the US-UK trade deal allowed bioethanol imports tariff-free.

The UK’s ethanol sector has been struggling under this pressure as Ensus and Vivergo Fuels have warned of closures over imminent influx of US-based ethanol.

Vivergo has already announced closure and is expected to shut down operations at Hull site in the second week of September.