Advertise
The European Biodiesel Board (EBB) has expressed its support for a joint proposal by the German and French governments regarding CO2 emission standards. According to reports from Biofuels International, the EBB views this move as a critical recognition of the role that sustainable renewable fuels play in the European Union's efforts to decarbonize road transport.
Representing major producers of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), and hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) bio-sustainable aviation fuel (bioSAF), the EBB characterized the agreement as a significant step toward a technology-neutral approach. While the organization welcomed the progress, it noted that specific provisions still require detailed clarification.
The proposal aligns with a target to reduce tailpipe emissions by 90%. Crucially, it acknowledges that a total phase-out of internal combustion engines would fail to account for the increasing contribution of renewable fuels to the EU's energy landscape.
Despite its general approval, the EBB voiced disappointment over the exclusion of alternative pathways based on renewable fuel credits, a mechanism previously suggested in the Salini report. The board argues that such a credit system would provide a direct incentive for the broader adoption of renewable fuels across the continent.
Furthermore, the agreement outlines a new category for zero-emission vehicles powered solely by eligible renewable and low-carbon fuels. This offers a secondary route to meeting the EU's transport emission goals. EBB Secretary General Xavier Noyon emphasized that fuel eligibility must adhere to the criteria set by the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). He cautioned that excluding feedstocks that already meet RED standards could jeopardize existing decarbonization solutions.
The EBB also praised the proposal's preference for fuels produced within the European Union and confirmed its intention to collaborate with EU co-legislators on the implementation phase.
Source: BioEnergy Times