Italy to mandate advanced biofuels from 2018

Italy has become the first member of the European Union to mandate the use of renewable fuel made from inedible crops.

The law states that as of January 2018, petrol and diesel must contain at least 1.2% advanced biofuel. By 2020, this will increase to 1.6% and two years later, a minimum 2% biofuel blend will be adopted.

The European Council in June proposed capping the amount first generation biofuel can contribute toward its 2020 target of 10% renewable energy in transportation at 7%. It also suggested that member states set targets for advanced biofuels, made from crop waste and non-food crops such as switchgrass, at 0.5% of total transport energy use.