Methanol Institute offers suggestions regarding EU REDII triologue negotiations

In Belgium, the Methanol Institute (MI), the trade association representing the global methanol industry this week released a paper providing input for the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) trilogue procedure currently underway between the European Council, Parliament and Commission.

The Methanol Institute appeals to the negotiating parties to continue to recognize the importance of all sustainable renewable fuels in reducing emissions in transportation.

MI notes that in order for Europe to meet the Paris COP21 targets all measures are needed. The Methanol Institute therefore supports calls for ambitious levels of low carbon, and renewable fuels in transport of at least 15% in 2030, including a binding sub-target for advanced renewable fuels. To reach this goal the EU cannot afford to exclude viable sustainable solutions from the majority of consumers, especially when so many options are available already today.

The paper discusses a number of areas in which the parties to the trilogue procedure might make changes to best meet their goals, including:

• Fuel ethers – Improve energy efficiency through high octane fuels
• Biodiesel – Retain the 7% cap for sustainable 1st gen biofuels
• Annex IX – part A – Adopt a clear definition of advanced biofuels supported by a list of approved sustainable feedstocks
• Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin – Allow the use of PPA’s for the production of e-fuels and focus on point sources of CO2 first
• Multipliers – Cancel any form of multipliers for renewable energy