The Gallagher Review

 
In 2008, the UK Government published the Gallagher Review on the indirect effects of RTF production.  A key element of the Review was the examination of the indirect effects of increasing demands for RTFs on food prices, food security for the world's poor and the displacement of agricultural production on to uncultivated areas, and the consequent impacts on biodiversity, GHG savings and local land rights.

The Review concluded that a more cautious and discerning approach is needed in the use of RTFs.  However, the Review concluded that RTFs must be a part of a low-carbon transport future.  The Review also indicated the likelihood that there is sufficient land to meet demands for food, feed and fuel, on a sustainable basis.

The greater emphasis on sustainability is a key point of differentiation between the EU and UK policies from other ethanol producing countries such as Brazil and the USA - where the primary drivers are fuel security and commercial return.

The Gallagher Report included a proposal for a comprehensive and mandatory set of sustainability standards in order to address land use change.  It also recommended that all RTF feedstocks should be delivered through yield enhancement on existing arable land or target feedstocks grown on marginal or idle land, in order to avoid negative displacement effects.

According to Gallagher's Report, a good RTF should:

  • Save substantial amounts of carbon compared to petrol or diesel.
  • Avoid major impacts on food prices.
  • Be produced in ways that are complementary to needs for food, feed and fuel.
  • Avoid the environmental impacts of direct and indirect changes in land use.
  • Be demonstrably sustainable.

Furthermore, there is a growing appreciation within the industry sector that 'good' sustainable RTFs should also help enhance energy and food security and be a catalyst for positive change, helping to ensure that all feedstock, regardless of its end use, is produced in ways that are better for the environment.