End Biofuel Subsidies

Did you know that the UK Government subsidises power stations that burn biofuels – because it’s “renewable energy”?

It doesn’t matter what kind of biofuel it is or where it comes from. Owners of these power stations don’t have to prove sustainability to get their subsidies in the form of Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs). That’s why we are now seeing so many planning applications for biofuel plants.

The EU says that biofuels have to meet emissions reduction standards. Palm oil doesn’t.

Friends of the Earth is asking people to contact Ed Miliband (Secretary of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change) asking for an end to these subsidies. You can do this online at http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/biodiversity/press_for_change/palm_oil_subsidies_22636.html

Or you could write to him at DECC, 3 Whitehall Place, SW1A 2AW. Suggested text of letter:

Dear Secretary of State

I am aware that UK power stations burning biofuels receive generous subsidies in the form of Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs).

As no proof of sustainability is required from operators, these subsidies have encouraged a wave of new planning applications.

The expansion of crops like oil palm and soya drive deforestation in producer countries. The result is an increase in greenhouse gas emissions rather than a reduction. Palm and soy biofuel also fail to meet the minimum standards for emissions savings under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.

I am very concerned about the highly damaging social and environmental consequences of the expansion of these crops.

Please suspend subsidies in the form of ROCs for power stations burning biofuels.