DfT could take biofuel analysis role from RFA

The proposed end of the Renewable Fuels Agency (RFA) could see its biofuel analysis work transfer to the Department for Transport (DfT).

Among the RFA's functions is to ensure biofuel analysis submitted by organisations under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) is verifiable and free of fraud.

Under the RTFO, suppliers of transport fuels must use the RFA Operating System online to record details of biofuel composition, carbon content and sustainability.

However, the DfT could ultimately become responsible for receiving this data, with the news that the RFA is to be abolished and its functions transferred to the secretary of state for transport.

RFA chairman Professor Ed Gallagher has written an open letter to his colleagues expressing his disappointment at the decision.

"The board believes that this decision does not reflect on the good work carried out by the RFA," he writes.

However, he welcomes the DfT's pledge to work closely with the RFA during the transition period.