EBB backs addition of new feedstocks in revised Annex IX

The European Biodiesel Board (EBB) has welcomed the addition of several new feedstocks in the revised Annex IX to the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) adopted by the European Commission.
Further clarifications on the definitions of the newly added feedstocks are still needed prior to implementation.
The EBB, with its comprehensive sectoral knowledge, is looking forward to contributing its expertise to the Commission on this subject and other relevant issues.
On 14 March, the European Commission adopted the long-anticipated Delegated Act (DA) revising the Annex IX to the RED.
The text significantly increases the number of feedstocks in the Annex, which is a crucial step to meet the EU’s ambition to integrate renewable energy in the transport sector and contribute to its decarbonisation.
In particular, the EBB welcomes the inclusion of i) Intermediate crops, such as catch crops and cover crops, and ii) Crops grown on severely degraded land, although a comprehensive definition of both these feedstocks will be crucial to enable their correct verification and certification.
The division in the regulatory treatment of the same feedstocks, based on their final fuel use (part A for aviation and part B for all other transport modes), diverges from the principles of technology neutrality and a level playing field. To avoid unintended consequences stemming from this, the biodiesel industry will be seeking clear and detailed definitions of those new feedstocks to ensure correct implementation and traceability governance.
The EBB President, Dickon Posnett, said: “The expansion of the list of feedstocks in Annex IX is of paramount importance and is a welcome development as it will give the biofuel sector the regulatory framework to make the crucial investments needed to further decarbonise transport.
“While the Commission’s choice to treat the same feedstocks differently based on the final fuel use goes against fundamental principles that EBB stands for and will introduce complexity, we remain very clear on our support for the expansion of the biofuels’ feedstock base.
“Furthermore, the EBB is ready to offer our expertise and contribute however we can to the legislator’s work on implementing the Act as soon as possible and ensuring it is fit for purpose.”