Higher biocontent fuel study for the UK Department for Transport

13 August 2025

The Department for Transport (DfT) commissioned this 'Higher Biocontent Fuel (HBF) Deployment Research Study' to gain further insight into how UK and international fleet operators have successfully deployed higher biocontent fuels, explore UK market barriers and identify what interventions could help increase adoption rates amongst Heavy Duty Vehicle (HDV) fleet operators e.g. those running Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), buses and coaches.

HBFs are fuels made from biomass such as crops, residues and biogenic waste. They include biodiesel blends like B20/B30 and renewable paraffinic diesel such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). These fuels offer lifecycle greenhouse gas savings compared to fossil diesel.

Related themes and tags

Higher biocontent fuels replace fossil-derived hydrocarbons with renewable carbon sources, enabling immediate greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. These fuels are commercially available today and can be deployed rapidly with minimal investment, infrastructure modification, or operational disruption. As such, they represent an effective transitional solution for HDV fleets aiming to reduce emissions while zero-emission technologies continue to mature, particularly for long-haul operations outside urban areas, where air quality is less of a concern. This report brings together global insights, industry voices and practical interventions to incentivise the uptake of these fuels among HDV fleet operators.

James Nankivell Associate Director, Freight & Logistics WSP UK & Ireland

James Nankivell Associate Director, Freight & Logistics WSP UK & Ireland

Report conclusions

This research report has addressed important gaps in the evidence base around HBF deployment. Through extensive desktop research and stakeholder engagement, the report provides a comprehensive overview of the HBF market and policy landscape in the UK and internationally. It goes on to summarise the perceived barriers and challenges to greater HBF adoption, identifying that while many barriers have been overcome by OEMs, the primary remaining barrier is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). The engagement process revealed the complexity of the HDV sector, with a diversity of vehicle types, duty cycles, and operational requirements. It underscores that there is no single solution to decarbonise the entire sector and therefore the role that HBFs can play in complementing zero emission HDV technologies.

As outlined in the report, a range of interventions are available to UK government, alongside other actors such as local authorities and HDV operators, to support the greater use of HBFs in the UK. Principal among these is increasing RTFO targets, which could be complemented by targeted fiscal incentives such as a fuel duty discount or fleet operator rebates. Interventions could also be explored to raise awareness of where HBF are available, how they can be deployed, and what the key opportunities and benefits are.

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FAQs

What are higher biocontent fuels (HBFs)?

Why was this research commissioned?

The Department for Transport asked us to explore how UK and international fleet operators are deploying HBFs, what’s holding back wider adoption, and what interventions could help scale their use.

Who contributed to the study?

We engaged with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), fleet operators, fuel suppliers and policy experts through workshops, interviews and surveys. We also reviewed global policy measures and market data.

What are the main barriers to HBF adoption?

According to our research, Fleet operators and OEMs cited concerns around fuel performance, warranty risks, cost, and limited availability. For HVO specifically, price parity with diesel and national refuelling infrastructure were key issues.

What policy actions are recommended?

The report outlines several interventions, that fleet operators and OEMs want to be considered including fuel duty discounts, fleet operator rebates, capital allowances, and increasing the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) target. It also recommends better public recognition of HBFs and improved access to certified sustainable fuels.

Is this report available to download?

Yes. You can download the full report directly from this page to explore the findings, recommendations and supporting evidence in detail.

How can fleet operators use this report?

Operators can use the insights to understand the benefits and challenges of HBFs, explore funding and policy opportunities, and learn from successful deployments across the UK and internationally.

Disclaimer

The information presented in this report is based on project records, delivery data, and the professional assessment of WSP UK and Ireland and its project teams. Timelines, performance outcomes, and technical solutions referenced reflect the specific conditions, requirements, and collaboration involved in this project. Client names, outcomes, and programme durations have been included with permission where applicable. For more details or verification, please contact us directly.

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