Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2026
184. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has assessed the potential of hemp as a source of biodiesel production, including estimates of fuel yield per hectare and its potential contribution to national renewable energy targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27545/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra193. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport whether current regulations permit the use of hemp-derived biodiesel in private vehicles and generators; whether any regulatory or technical barriers exist, particularly in relation to newer diesel engines; if plans are in place to support wider adoption of locally produced biofuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27547/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 193 together.
The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) implements Article 25(1) of the European Renewable Energy Directive placing a statutory obligation on fuel suppliers to ensure a minimum proportion of renewable fuel in all road transport petroleum products placed on the market in Ireland. The RTFO rate is currently 32% by energy, including multiple counting to incentivise supply of certain renewable fuels.
This minimum proportion of obligated renewable fuel supply in transport is gradually increased each year through increases in the RTFO rate. The trajectory of annual increase to 2030 in the RTFO rate is set out in the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy 2025-2027, toward achieving 2030 targets under the Directive and the Climate Action Plan.
The Directive requires that the obligation is administered in accordance with the principle of non-discrimination, in that the onus is on suppliers to ensure sustainability of the biofuel supply from point of origin of the feedstock used in its production, whether it is indigenously produced or imported, adhering to the requirements of the Directive and the EU approved voluntary scheme certification process.
Indigenously produced biofuel plays a growing role in Ireland's transition to a low carbon society and economy. Consideration is given in the implementation of the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy to the need to support the supply of certain biofuels and biogas through the award of additional RTFO certificates.
Hemp as food and feed crop when used in the production of biofuel supply is limited under the Directive. Therefore, Ireland limits to 2% the amount of biofuel produced from food and feed crops toward the overall renewable energy share target in transport fuel supply of 24% by 2030. This has been set out in Ireland’s National Energy and Climate Plan.
Blended fuel produced and supplied to the market must also comply with the relevant European fuel specification set out in the Fuel Quality Directive, including a maximum 7% percentage fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) biodiesel in the diesel EN590 standard.
The National Oil Reserves Agency, which administers the RTFO, cannot provide estimates of fuel yields per hectare. The potential contribution of hemp to national renewable energy targets has not been identified within biofuel analysis carried out by the NORA.
My department has no responsibility concerning renewable fuel used in generators.
