The European Parliament last week voted to ban palm oil in biofuels from 2021 and cap the contribution of crop-based biofuels at 2017 levels, with a maximum of 7% in road and rail transport till 2030.

The Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) agreed to a 12% target for renewables in transport by 2030.

“The Parliament has sent a message that not all biofuels are created equal by focusing on getting rid of those that drive deforestation like palm oil,” said Emmanuel Desplechin, secretary general of the European renewable ethanol association (ePURE).

As MEPs are now ready to start negotiations with EU ministers on renewables post 2020, Desplechin called on the EU to remain committed to a meaningful binding target for renewables in transport without artificial multipliers. “It should also keep in place the maximum contribution of crop-based biofuels at 7% – essential for safeguarding current and future investments,” he added.

Provided by Renewables Now exclusively for Essentica.