Emissions -
Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Cars
The Scottish Government is doing a number of things to help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which cause climate change. As well as supporting those in the public sector by providing information, support and advice on active travel and Smart Measures, we are developing an approach to provide information on the use of a range of new fuels and vehicles. This includes the benefits of savings from fuel efficiency available from current vehicles.
The UK and other European Union Member States are currently developing a framework for the introduction and use of alternative fuels/vehicles. This is driven by EU Directives (laws) which have, or will be,introduced into UK legislation.
Within the Scottish Public Sector there is already some use of alternative fuels/vehicles e.g. electric and hybrid vehicles or biofuels. However, it is recognised that further advances are needed to attract wider take-up.
The Scottish Government is pursuing a "technology neutral" approach to reducing emissions arising from road transport. This is to ensure that we benefit from using the most efficient and cost-effective alternative technologies as and when they emerge.
In order to ensure we contribute to and support the development of new transport technologies, those involved in Research, Design and Development (and production) are able to apply for funding via Regional Selective Assistance ( RSA). RSA grants have funded production of biofuels at the Argent Energy biodiesel plant near Motherwell.
Biofuels
Biofuels are fuels produced from a range of feedstock including animal waste (tallow) and energy crops such as wheat, maize, rapeseed and sugar cane. The main fuels produced are either bio-ethanol (from sugar/starch rich feedcrops such as wheat, maize and sugar-cane), or bio-diesel (from oil rich feedcrops such as rapeseed - and animal tallow).
Currently we are working - with the Department for Transport at the UK level - towards an EU target for five per cent biofuel (mixed with conventional fuels and supplied through existing pumps) and the target for 2009/10 will be 3.25 per cent, rising to 5 per cent by 2013/14. A target of 10 per cent renewable fuels from transport has been announced for 2020 but this is subject to sustainable production and commercial availability of "second-generation" biofuels. It is possible that other renewable fuels might contribute to this target.
The findings of the Gallagher Review have influenced the UK negotiating position with the EU. The Scottish Government supports the UK's approach to biofuels (in light of Gallagher Review) that introduction of biofuels in the UK slowed down to take into account emerging scientific evidence about their sustainability. As such, the UK Government will "amend not abandon" biofuels policy, to bring about a biofuels industry in the UK that is sustainable.
The EU is developing sustainability criteria that will apply to all EU Member States sourcing biofuels. This will be designed to help states meet GHG reduction requirements, principally through the introduction of a mechanism for the reporting and reduction of the life cycle GHG emissions from fuel. The UK has already put in place measures to ensure the sustainability of biofuels and have made arrangements for the management of the process via a Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) Order using powers available in the Energy Act 2004. These arrangements include the development and eventual reporting on sustainability criteria together with crediting those biofuels offering the most emissions saving.
Some opportunities also exist, with the emergence of viable technologies, to convert commonly available mixed or segregated waste streams into bio-ethanol, bio-butanol, bio-diesel and bio-gas. The use of waste materials in this context tends to confer improved life cycle carbon benefits on the final fuel.
Research and development into "second generation" biofuels is being carried out across the globe. Currently, while not commercially available, such fuel has been produced from hydro-cellulosic material (biodegradable/organic waste e.g. stalks and plant matter from forestry or agriculture). Some recent research and development into the use of marine algae has also taken place. If available commercially, such fuels could result in a more sustainable product. However, there remain some barriers to overcome.