EU pits conventional biofuels against advanced biofuels in new 2030 policy

In Belgium, Novozymes came out swinging against the European Commission’s 2030 biofuels proposals, saying it’s a move backwards rather than forward, while the Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels from Clariant to Dong Energy welcomed the policy, especially it’s binding target for advanced biofuels. The policy proposal would limit first generation biofuels to 3.8% by 2030 while mandating electrification and advanced biofuels at 6.8%.

“Today’s proposal for a new Renewable Energy Directive post 2020 falls short of the EU ambition to increase the share of renewables by 2030. In fact, the proposed gradual phase out of all conventional biofuels would only increase the share of fossil fuels in transport and add GHG emissions. By 2020, the aim was to have 10% renewables in transport, by 2030, the ambition is lowered to 6.8%.” said Thomas Schrøder, Vice-President for Biorefining, Novozymes

“The European Commission failed to reflect in its proposal the latest science and evidence that demonstrate the very high sustainability profile of a series of conventional biofuels. For example, conventional ethanol effectively reduces GHG emissions today (by 64% on average compared to petrol) even when indirect impacts are accounted for. They have a legitimate role to play in the EU energy mix.” 

“As far as advanced biofuels are concerned, the proposal to have a specific mandate of minimum 3.6% by 2030 is welcomed.  Such a dedicated and ramped up obligation will allow for their progressive deployment in Europe. However, advanced biofuels are not meant to replace perfectly sustainable conventional biofuels; they are meant to replace an increasing share of fossil fuels and reduce more GHG emissions.”

Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels believe that by recognizing the role of advanced biofuels as a fast track option for the decarbonisation of the EU transport sector, the European Commission has made a significant step to enhance the EU innovation capacity and stimulate green growth.

LSB particularly welcomed the establishment of a binding target for advanced biofuels, which is indispensable for creating a stable and predictable business environment and trigger new substantial investments in advanced biofuels production capacity. In this context the Commission proposal sets the right direction and framework for the advanced biofuels industry to move forward and fully unleash the potential of advanced biofuels in Europe.