FiveBarGatewins biofuels contract
A STOCKTON company has won a high profile contract to help shape future Government policy on biofuels.
FiveBarGate consultants will partner with leading global energy and climate change consultancy, AEA Technology, on a detailed market review of the industry.
The influential three-month study will review the first years’ impact of the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligations (RTFO), the rate at which biofuels must be introduced to the UK’s forecourts.
The research will form part of the Renewable Fuel Agency’s first annual report to Parliament, to be published in January 2010 and used in the design of the Government’s Renewable Energy and Fuel Quality Directive.
Ian Waller, director of Five Bar Gate, said: “AEA Technology wanted a company that understood the markets closely and could draw knowledge based conclusions, rather than just scratching the surface.
“This is a timely piece of work - the market assessment we are doing will gauge how much the RTFO has benefited - or cost - the supply chain, and show that information in a public way.
“We will be gathering stakeholder feedback by talking to biofuel companies, farmers and growers.
“AEA Technology’s report will improve Government understanding of the market to properly deliver carbon savings, which is what all this is ultimately about.”
The report will look at the level of duty and buy-out price - the penalty imposed for not meeting industry obligations.
In January, the targets for the RTFO were pushed back by two years to 2013 in a reaction to the controversial Gallagher Report, which was drawn up in response to environmental concerns about biofuels’ sustainability. The move reduces this year’s renewable fuels target from 3.75% to 3.25%.
AEA Technology project managed the Gallagher review for the Renewable Fuels Agency in 2008. FiveBarGate helped shape the original RTFO strategy and has develop successful new projects and businesses through its work with biofuel companies, growers and investors.
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