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WQ.71/2021
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE BY DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 22nd FEBRUARY 2021 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 1st MARCH 2021
Question
Will the Minister advise what dialogue, if any, has been undertaken with the Island's fuel companies and the outcome, if any, of any such dialogue, in relation to –
- the provision of increased ethanol content fuel across the Jersey supply;
- the availability of all alternatives to diesel and other hydrocarbon fuels; and
- the provision of carbon offset systems for fuel users?
Answer
Where appropriate, and in the process of policy development, officers have regular dialogue with a wide range of relevant stakeholders. I am pleased to be able to report that fuel products with an increased ethanol fuels are available on Island. These products comprise of 5% or 7% ethanol in the fossil fuel petrol or diesel and contribute a small reduction in emissions. Whilst the contribution that this makes to our emissions reduction is welcomed, it is recognised that this will not be enough to achieve our aim to be carbon neutral. We also recognise that fuel suppliers are providing 100% renewable products which result in a c.90% reduction in tailpipe emissions and welcome the fact that fuel suppliers are choosing to import these products providing diversity and choice for Islanders in the marketplace.
As the Deputy will appreciate, we need to respect commercial confidentiality, but I can assure him that dialogue is ongoing and will continue to take place with valued stakeholders from the fuel supply sector, through the policy development process in support of both the objectives of the Sustainable Transport Policy and in the development of the Carbon Neutral Roadmap led by the Minister for the Environment.
As mentioned in responses to previous questions, the Deputy will be aware that the use of second generation renewable fuels, as an alternative to hydrocarbon fuels, will play an important role in reducing our emissions from the use of hydrocarbon fuels as the Island transitions to carbon neutrality. The use of these alternatives is identified in both the Sustainable Transport Policy and the Carbon Neutral Strategy.
The Climate Conversation is providing a way for everyone in our community (including fuel companies) to get involved in this discussion ahead of the Climate Citizens' Assembly that will be starting in March. The recommendations from the Citizens' Assembly will inform the Carbon Neutral Roadmap, to be lodged by the end of the year, which will include the proposed policies and initiatives accompanied by a resourcing plan for how the transition will be funded.
As the Deputy will be aware, carbon offsets form an important part of the conversation on carbon neutrality and we committed, in the Carbon Neutral Strategy, to ensuring that any offsets used by the Government of Jersey must be of the highest standard. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on individual schemes other than to note as a point of principle, it is heartening to see businesses launch voluntary schemes demonstrating that they recognise that their customers take carbon reduction seriously.