From July of next year, fuel suppliers in Ireland will have to include an average of 4% biofuels in their annual fuel sales, the energy minister announced this week.

Speaking in the Seanad, the Minister said, “This is an important departure for the motor and biofuels industries in Ireland. Biofuels will be an important fuel source for Ireland in the event of a disruption of our oil supplies. It is incumbent upon Government to source sustainable transport and heating fuels in Ireland. Ireland is already transforming its power generation fuel supply and our overall energy use across the economy. This Bill is another step in this transformation.”

The minister reassured the public they would 'not be obliged' to modify their vehicles in any way, the biofuels obligation will be administered by the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) and fuel supply companies will have to meet the cost.

The Bill also grants additional powers to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) on the safety of liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects.

Sourced: Dept of Communication, Energyand Natural Resources