I am an employee at Greenergy Immingham, a biofuel plant that is facing closure. Many of my colleagues are the sole breadwinner for their families, which includes young children who depend on their income. The threat of losing our livelihoods is real, and for many of us, this job is our sole means to provide for our families during a cost-of-living crisis.

The RTFO is the UK Government’s policy to promote low carbon transport fuels, and it requires suppliers of petrol and diesel to supply a certain percentage of renewable fuel to the UK market. Currently, this is set to 14%, and lags behind many European countries who are actively increasing their own policies to promote investment and help decarbonise transport. 

This lower obligation is one of the critical factors forcing UK biofuel plants to close.

Additionally, the zero-tariff import on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) from America is causing market disruption. HVO is being imported at ultra-low prices, which leads to its dominance over local biofuels like biodiesel. By not increasing the mandate and allowing tariff free imports, we are not only putting jobs at risk but also missing an opportunity to contribute positively to environmental sustainability. The UK was once a leader in low carbon biofuels, and is now falling behind, at a time when the Government wants investment in green hubs.
Increasing the RTFO mandate and setting tariffs on HVO imports from America are necessary steps. These measures would ensure the UK is on an equal playing field, supporting local biofuel industries like ours, ensure competitive fuel prices, and contribute toward achieving the UK’s climate goals by reducing transport emissions.

We urgently need government intervention to increase the obligation to blend  biofuels, under the RTFO. This cannot wait and needs urgent attention now. Additionally, introducing tariffs on American HVO would protect our local industries from unfair competition and monopoly. This is not just about saving jobs or easing economic hardship; it's about securing an environmentally sustainable future for the UK.

Please sign this petition to urge the government to take immediate action to increase biodiesel blending and introduce import tariffs on HVO. Let's protect our jobs, ensure fair competition, and work towards a greener future for the UK.