Recycled Carbon Fuels (RCFs)
Overview Summary
The Renewable Energy Directive (RED) defines Recycled Carbon Fuels (RCFs) as liquid or gaseous fuels produced from waste streams of non‑renewable origin or from unavoidable industrial waste gases. Although not renewable, these fuels may be counted toward transport targets where EU Member States choose to include them. Their greenhouse gas (GHG) performance is evaluated under a dedicated delegated act that establishes lifecycle assessment rules and requires at least 70% reduction in GHG emissions compared to their fossil equivalents.
Scope of Coverage
RCFs include fuels derived from fossil waste such as plastics, rubber, non‑recyclable waste and industrial off‑gases. Production pathways typically include thermochemical conversion processes such as pyrolysis or gasification.
RCFs cannot contribute to the EU‑wide renewable energy target but may count toward transport‑specific sub‑targets or national frameworks as determined by Member States.
Affected Entities
RCF rules apply to operators converting non‑renewable waste streams into fuels, including industrial facilities producing off‑gases, chemical recyclers and advanced fuel producers.
Certification bodies and national authorities must verify that RCFs meet the feedstock eligibility and GHG-emissions‑saving criteria.
Applicability & Compliance Timeline
The methodology for GHG emissions savings for RCFs is set under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1185. Producers must demonstrate compliance with lifecycle emissions thresholds and feedstock eligibility rules. Inclusion of RCFs in national transport targets is optional and depends on each Member State’s implementation approach.
What This Means for Companies
Companies producing fuels from waste must ensure their feedstocks qualify as non‑recyclable and meet strict documentation requirements. Lifecycle GHG modelling is essential to determine whether RCFs are eligible under transport schemes. Meo Carbon Solutions supports companies with pathway certification, lifecycle modelling and regulatory advisory services for RCF eligibility.
Status
Recognised under REDII with sustainability rules defined by delegated acts.
Key Links
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1184: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2023/1184/oj/eng