A Living Reference for Renewable Fuel Makers
The Department for Transport maintains a dynamic catalogue of wastes and residues that qualify for the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation and the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate. Regular revisions make the catalogue a practical compass for producers seeking reliable compliance and for investors evaluating feedstock security. Every addition broadens the palette of raw materials, lowering cost and widening access to cleaner molecules for road vehicles and aircraft.
What the Updated List Contains
The expanded network covers a diverse mix of materials:
- Used cooking oil and animal fats
- Forestry and agricultural residues such as straw or husk
- Industrial by products including contaminated methanol or papermaking water
- Municipal solid waste fractions once regarded as unrecoverable
- Novel items like aflatoxin contaminated corn unfit for human consumption
Collectively these inputs transform disposal challenges into revenue streams while reducing life cycle emissions. Emission savings are especially attractive because they can be multiplied through the double counting incentive within the RTFO, making each litre count twice toward company targets.
Insight: Contaminated Crops Offer Unexpected Opportunity
Aflatoxin infected corn cannot enter the food chain, yet its energy content remains intact. Converting it into biofuel avoids costly landfill treatment, rewards farmers with supplementary income, and displaces virgin vegetable oil. This single line on the list shows how smart policy can turn a crop failure into a climate success.
Using the List Effectively
Producers should read the catalogue alongside the scheme guidance notes that explain double counting rules, auditing needs, and greenhouse gas calculations. Early dialogue with the Low Carbon Fuels Delivery Unit speeds approval and de risks project timelines. Keeping internal procurement databases synced with each quarterly update prevents accidental use of non eligible material.
Conclusion
The evolving feedstock list demonstrates that resourcefulness and regulation can move hand in hand. By keeping pace with updates, businesses unlock new sustainable growth routes while Britain advances toward cleaner mobility.