Policy News

Five EU countries have demanded the European Commission establish a framework for stricter supervision of the use of biofuels in the bloc in the wake of a number of cases of fraud relating the sale of used cooking oil (UCO) of unsustainable origin as transport fuel. EURACTIV reported that the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Luxembourg issued a joint statement on the need to improve the…
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The Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) has welcomed the German Bundestag's decision to increase the greenhouse gas reduction obligation for fuels. The law provides for an increase from 6% today to 7% in 2022 and to 25% in 2030. UFOP has repeatedly called for a more ambitious GHG quota system. The aim is to give domestic agriculture and the biofuel industry more…
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The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released its net zero by 2050 roadmap. The IEA said the world has a viable pathway to building a global energy sector with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2050, but it was narrow and required immediate action across all countries. Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector was the world’s first comprehensive study to lay out a…
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US President Joe Biden recently announced a 50-52% emissions reduction target from 2005 levels by 2030. This is part of the country’s new Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement with reference to low carbon renewable fuels as part of the strategy to tackle climate change and meet the country’s commitment under the pact. American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian…
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The European Union has reached a deal on the European Climate Law allowing it to go into the US-hosted climate summit with an agreement on the bloc’s 2030 target. After 14 hours of talks, negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states reached an agreement on the European Climate Law that will enshrine its commitment to reaching climate neutrality by 2050. Parties reached an…
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The European Commission’s decision to introduce surveillance measures on imports of renewable ethanol for fuel from third countries is an important step towards preventing a surge in imports that could harm the EU renewable ethanol industry. The decision, taken at the initiative of France and supported by an overwhelming majority of member states, follows an action from the European renewable…
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Net zero-emission aviation is one step closer following the launch of a new competition to support the development of cutting-edge facilities capable of turning everyday waste into jet fuel. The Green Fuel, Green Skies competition, which is part of the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan, will support UK companies as they pioneer new technologies to convert household rubbish, waste wood and excess…
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Renewable Energy Group (REG) announced its fourth quarter and full year 2020 results revealing it produced biofuel in record volumes. REG produced a record 519 million gallons last year, up from 495 million gallons in 2019. North American and European biodiesel production were up 5% and 7%, respectively. REG produced 129 million gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel during the third…
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Pacific Island governments have reinforced their commitment to energy transition action within updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs) ahead of COP26 in Glasgow. At a meeting of high-level policy and intergovernmental representatives jointly hosted by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the Regional Pacific NDC Hub and the UK COP26 Presidency, ministers and government…
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Shell has set out its strategy to accelerate its transformation into a provider of net zero emissions energy products and services. The global oil company confirmed that its total carbon emissions peaked in 2018 and oil production peaked in 2019. “Our accelerated strategy will drive down carbon emissions and will deliver value for our shareholders, our customers and wider society,” said…
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The federal government of Germany has decided to increase the share of renewable energies in the transport sector to 28% by 2030. This means that Germany is well above the EU target of 14%. In addition to stronger incentives for green hydrogen, new charging stations and advanced biofuels that are obtained from residues instead of food, the change in the law also provides for biofuels made…
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Oil giant Shell suffered a loss of $21.7 billion (£17.5 billion) last year after the COVID-19 pandemic hit prices and demand. The trend follows that of BP and Exxon, which posted similar huge losses in the past 12 months. “2020 was an extraordinary year. We have taken tough, but decisive actions and demonstrated highly resilient operational delivery while caring for our people, customers and…
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved three small refinery exemptions (SRE) in a last-minute move by the Trump Administration. This reverses one denial from 2018 and the granting of two for the 2019 compliance year. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor called on the incoming Biden Administration to reverse harm done to rural America through what she described as “SRE abuse”. She…
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