Statutory consultation in relation to the exclusion of Palm Oil Mill-Effluent (POME) from the award of additional Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) certificates

This consultation concerns the award of additional certificates under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, provided for by the National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007 (Additional Certificates for Renewable Transport Fuel) Regulations 2023 (S.I. No. 143 of 2023) incentivising supply of certain renewable fuels supporting delivery of EU renewable energy and Climate Action Plan targets.

The National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) is responsible for ensuring compliance by fuel suppliers with the EU sustainability criteria and requirements for renewable transport fuel placed on the market under the statutory Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO).

Based upon its analysis, indicating concerns of possible biofuel fraud risk in global supply of palm oil mill effluent (POME), the NORA has recommended the removal of national incentives under the RTFO for POME-derived biofuel products. Further NORA recommendations to limit POME biofuel supply as outlined in the attached letter from the NORA to the Department of Transport are also being considered by the Department subject to legal advice.

POME is considered an advanced biofuel under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and is at present eligible additional RTFO certificates under Regulation 3 of S.I. No. 143 of 2023.

In light of the analysis carried out by the NORA, and until such time as more comprehensive examination and action can be taken at an EU-wide level, the proposed regulations will exclude POME-derived biofuel from the award of additional RTFO certificates

The Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD, invites your views on these draft regulations. Submissions may be made by email to rtfp@transport.gov.ie.

The closing date for submissions is 16 May 2025.

This is a public consultation, and the Freedom of Information Act 2014 and the Access to Information on the Environment (AIE) legislation apply.

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