For a variety of reasons, that include compliance with the Kyoto Protocol and matters of energy security, biofuel usage throughout the world is set to steadily increase in the coming years. For European Union countries the program began with Directive 2003/30/EC.
8 May 2003: DIRECTIVE 2003/30/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL
On the promotion of the use of biofuels or other renewable fuels for transport
Extracts:
Greater use of biofuels for transport forms a part of the package of measures needed to comply with the Kyoto Protocol, and of any policy package to meet further commitments in this respect.
A reference value for these targets shall be 5,75 %, calculated on the basis of energy content, of all petrol and diesel for transport purposes placed on their markets by 31 December 2010.
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8 May 2003: DIRECTIVE 2003/30/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL
On the promotion of the use of biofuels or other renewable fuels for transport
Extracts:
Greater use of biofuels for transport forms a part of the package of measures needed to comply with the Kyoto Protocol, and of any policy package to meet further commitments in this respect.
A reference value for these targets shall be 5,75 %, calculated on the basis of energy content, of all petrol and diesel for transport purposes placed on their markets by 31 December 2010.
Download full document (120 kb) 
EU member states report annually to the European Commision under Article 4 of the Biofuels Directive (2003/30/EC) on the promotion of the use of biofuels or other renewable fuels for transport. These reports fulfil the UK's obligation to report to the European Commission by 1 July each year on the effectiveness of the UK Government's support for biofuels during the previous calendar year.
12 August 2009: UK REPORT TO THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION UNDER ARTICLE 4 OF THE BIOFUELS DIRECTIVE (2003/30/EC)
Promotion and use of biofuels in the United Kingdom
during 2008
Extract:
Total sales of biofuels in the UK in 2008 were 1,092 million litres, whilst total road fuel sales were approximately 48,395 million litres. As a percentage of total road transport fuel sales, biofuels made up some 2.26% by volume (or some 2.04% by energy content).This represents an increase of more than double the previous year's total sales which amounted to 499 million litres.
Download full document (90 kb) Behind the 2.26% aggregate are annual averages of ~3.5% for diesel and ~1% for petrol across a year in which biofuel content was ramped up to double the previous year's results. Peak months were 4.8% (diesel) and 1.3% (petrol).
Biofuel Legislation