European biodiesel response to new EC renewable vision

A lack of any transport-focused mandate from the European Commission (EC) as it delivered its vision on a long-term energy and climate policy has sparked a reaction from stakeholders in the renewable fuels industry.

The EC report, titled A policy framework for climate and energy policy between 2020 to 2030, suggests moves to a mandatory 40% greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, 27% binding renewable energy targets and a 25% indicative energy efficiency goals.

But the European Biodiesel Board (EBB) says it is ‘regrettable’ that no transport-focused mandate was set, calling it a ‘missed opportunity to tackle Europe’s most pressing environmental challenges’.

The EBB, which represents producers of a main alternative to fossil fuels, believes there should be appropriate transportation targets and wants member states to acknowledge biodiesel’s contribution in green growth. It also points to Europe’s high dependence on fossil fuels imports, particularly diesel from third countries, as another concern.

‘Transport is at the heart of European economy, yet this communication from the EC does not appear to consider the challenges of high energy bill for future growth,’ says Raffaello Garofalo, EBB secretary general. ‘Our members offer domestic product which reduces GHG up to 85% compared to diesel. Europe can make the choice of promoting both European growth and employment by playing a leading role in tackling climate change adverse effects.’

Five years ago, European institutions paved the way for a 6% GHG emission reduction target in fuels by 2020, while fostering reliance on renewable sources in overall transport.

‘Binding targets have shown to be right in deploying renewable sources. Industry relies on stable long-term policy framework. European institutions and member states have the responsibility to reinforce sustainable transport with specific targets,’ continues Garofalo. ‘If biofuels targets are not confirmed post-2020, investments will stop as of today.’