CIWM would like to use cookies to store information on your computer, to improve our website. One of the cookies we use is essential for parts of the site to operate and has already been set. You may delete and block all cookies from this site, but parts of the site will not work. To find out more about the cookies we use and how to delete them, see our CIWM Privacy Policy.

CIWM
You are here: CIWM  >  Publications  >  Latest News  >  The Renewable Fuels Agency Winds Up Operations

The Renewable Fuels Agency Winds Up Operations

28 March 2011

The Renewable Fuels Agency (RFA), the UK's independent sustainable fuel regulator, has announced its dissolution, effective as of Thursday 31 March. The Agency's notification comes in light of a wider review of arms-length government bodies. The Department of Transport will now take over the RFA duties.

The Renewable Fuels Agency was established in October 2007, and has been responsible for regulating biofuels entering the UK market and promoting their sustainability. During its three year stint, the Agency was responsible for delivering real, demonstrable changes in the procurement policy of major oil companies leading to better environmental and social outcomes. It also published the Gallagher Review, one of the first studies to take an in depth look at the possible impacts of Indirect Land Use Change (iLUC). Also, the agency was known for its provision of "Carbon calculator" to assist suppliers in determining the lifecycle emissions from their fuels.

Nick Goodall, CEO of the Agency, said: "The RFA has published world-class reports and research and I think all those involved in its work can take pride in the legacy it will leave behind.

"Our staff care about their work and the evidence is in their internationally respected output. I'm proud to have led the team that showed the way for biofuels to be sustainable."

Speaking on the occasion of the Agency's final board meeting held on 22 March, 2011, Professor Ed Gallagher, chairman of the Agency, said: "I am very proud of the Agency's record and believe its actions have led to demonstrably more sustainable supplies of biofuels and delivered better social and environmental outcomes throughout the supply chain."

The chairman expressed his gratitude to the board and the staff of the agency, saying: "I would like to publicly thank those who have served with me on the Board, helping to shape and steer the Agency, enabling it to carry out its duties in an exemplary manner and quickly establishing its reputation as an effective, well-run regulator, something confirmed by regular independent reviews of our performance.

"I would also like to pay tribute to the staff who have worked so hard and conducted themselves with commendable professionalism during this transitional period in what have, at times, been difficult circumstances. The Board has made every effort to ensure the best outcome for the staff and all permanent employees are to be transferred to the Department for Transport where they will continue to use the expertise they have developed at the RFA as part of the Department's Low Carbon Fuels team."

Krishna Buddhiraju