Aligning the Annex IXB cap with Europe’s climate ambition

The European Waste-based & Advanced Biofuels Association (EWABA) is calling on the European Commission to revise the 1.7% cap on Annex IX Part B biofuels under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), warning that the current limitation no longer reflects Europe’s growing sustainable feedstock base and the EU’s increased climate ambition.

Waste-based biodiesel produced from feedstocks such as used cooking oil and animal fats can deliver up to 90% lifecycle greenhouse gas reductions compared to fossil diesel. These fuels are already helping reduce emissions in road transport, heavy-duty vehicles and maritime shipping, while supporting Europe’s circular economy.

However, EWABA notes that the 1.7% cap limiting the contribution of Annex IXB fuels has remained unchanged, despite the EU expanding the list of eligible feedstocks and increasing transport decarbonisation targets.

Recent updates to EU legislation have expanded the range of sustainable feedstocks eligible under Annex IXB, including additional residues and intermediate crops. Yet the quantitative limitation on their contribution remains fixed.

According to EWABA, this creates a mismatch between the EU’s climate ambition, the recognition of additional sustainable feedstocks, and the regulatory framework governing their deployment.

“At a time when Europe is seeking to accelerate transport decarbonisation, limiting one of the most effective renewable fuel solutions risks slowing progress,” EWABA president, Ewald-Marco Muenzer noted.
Waste-based biodiesel also contributes to Europe’s energy security and fuel independence. Produced domestically at European-based facilities, these fuels help reduce reliance on imported fossil diesel and volatile global oil markets.

In an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment, expanding the use of sustainable waste-based fuels can strengthen the resilience and diversification of Europe’s transport fuel supply. Higher biodiesel blends already used in several Member States demonstrate how these fuels can deliver immediate emissions reductions while supporting Europe’s fuel autonomy.

EWABA calls on the European Commission to increase the Annex IXB cap to reflect the expanded feedstock base and realistic market potential. The association also recommends assessing full removal of the cap in the next revision of the Renewable Energy Directive, allowing sustainable waste-based fuels to contribute more effectively to Europe’s transport decarbonisation goals.

Updating the Annex IXB cap would help accelerate cost-effective emission reductions, strengthen energy independence, and unlock the full potential of Europe’s waste-based biofuel sector.