Low-Carbon Fuel Standards
Energy is the foundation for the operation of the transportation system, and energy transition is the core driving force for promoting low-carbon development in the transport sector. Before the full advent of the electrification wave, low-carbon fuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel played a significant role in transportation emission reductions. Even in the context of accelerating electrification, for vehicles such as cars, small vessels, and short-range aircraft, electrification can address emission challenges to a certain extent. However, in long-distance transport scenarios, especially in aviation and shipping, constrained by factors such as energy density, range, and safety, fuel decarbonization remains a key pathway to achieving emission reduction targets.
Energy transition has always been one of iCET's core work areas. Since its establishment, iCET has continuously conducted systematic research on internationally advanced low-carbon fuel policies and standards, promoting their understanding, introduction, and localization in the Chinese context. Focusing on the goal of low-carbon transportation fuel development, iCET, in collaboration with multiple research and industry institutions including the China National Institute of Standardization, Tsinghua University, the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Safety and Environmental Protection Technology Research Institute of CNPC, the China Coal Research Institute, and China Grains and Foodstuffs (Group) Co., Ltd., jointly participated in drafting and promoting the research and formulation of the China Low-Carbon Fuel Series Standards, providing technical support for relevant policy formulation and industrial practice.
International low-carbon fuel policies and standards interpreted and introduced by iCET (partial list) include:
UK Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO)
EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II)
US Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32)
California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS)
Looking ahead, iCET will continue to monitor the latest developments in international low-carbon fuel policies and standards and research their localization pathways. Low-carbon fuels are not only an important component of the transportation energy transition but will also serve as a key lever for promoting sustainable aviation and shipping development.