FAQs: Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II
The following Frequently Asked Questions have been compiled to help UK assurance scheme Participants that are currently certified to RED II navigate any possible changes to their assurance status from December 2023.
The original Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC) established a policy for the production and promotion of energy from renewable sources in the EU.
This is now RED II (recast Renewable Energy Directive (EU) 2018/2001) and aims to meet the EU to target to fulfil at least 32% of its total energy needs with renewable sources by 2030.
Find out more about RED II on the AIC Services website, and more about the potential changes by the European Commission below.
Why has the potential change in RED II assurance come about for UK participants?
It is a requirement of the RED II Implementing Regulation that certification bodies are accredited within the EU.
Since the UK withdrew from the EU the accreditation of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) doesn’t meet these requirements, which could result in loss of voluntary scheme status for UK schemes (AIC, RT, SQC).
What does this mean for an assurance scheme Participant’s current RED II assurance?
The final outcome isn’t yet clear, although there is a risk that Participants in UK RED II schemes will not be able to supply the domestic and European market after December 2023.
AIC, Red Tractor (RT) and Scottish Quality Crops (SQC) are working hard to find a resolution with both the European Commission and UK Government to ensure the existing biofuels market access is retained.
What are the possible outcomes?
The possible outcomes of ongoing discussions are:
- The EC makes the decision to continue to recognise UKAS as a National Accreditation Body, so the UK RED II Schemes continue to be recognised
- Certification Bodies accredit the current RED Scheme under an EU Accreditation Body, which is recognised by the EC
- The DfT recognises the UK-based RED II Schemes, which allows continued compliance with domestic renewable fuels legislation
- None of the above actions are successful and the UK schemes lose their RED assurance status
If option 3 and 4 is the outcome, then alterative assurance against RED II will be required by current certified companies to meet the RED II requirements of customers.
For AIC Members and assurance scheme Participants currently certified to RED II, this would mean new certification under one of the approved schemes listed on the European Commission website.
Will I have to join another RED II assurance scheme?
AIC, RT and SQC are working to ensure this isn’t necessary and we will keep you informed of progress.
Can I join another RED II scheme as a precaution?
Yes, although there are important considerations regarding submitted data. Please contact AIC for more information by emailing [email protected].
What will happen to my current crop assured under UK RED II after December 2023?
If the voluntary scheme status is lost and businesses have not obtained certification to another scheme, the RED II status of the crop will be lost.
Is it possible to have a UK-only Renewable Energy Scheme?
While such a scheme does not currently exist, AIC, RT and SQC are exploring this option with the Department for Transport (DfT).
Authors
Simon Williams
Simon Williams is Technical Manager for AIC Services. He is based at AIC Head Office, Peterborough and is responsible for the management and coordination of the FEMAS and UFAS assurance schemes as well as being the key contact for mutual recognition with European scheme owners and managing Earned Recognition relationships with UK feed and food competent authorities.
Gillian Barrow
Gill Barrow is Technical Manager for AIC Services. Gill is based at AIC Head Office, Peterborough and is responsible for the management and coordination of the AIC assurance scheme TASCC.
