The biofuels industry has criticised what it sees as an "inconsistent" approach to transport decarbonisation in the EU.
New EU regulations to decarbonise the maritime and aviation sectors ban the use of crop-based biofuels, while these fuels currently play a key role in cutting road transport emissions in the EU, writes Euractiv.
The recent revision of the Renewable Energy Directive maintains a 7% cap on crop-based biofuels’ contribution to road and rail transport renewable energy targets. However, this endorsement contrasts with the ReFuelEU Aviation and FuelEU Maritime, where only advanced biofuels, produced from residues and waste, and hydrogen-based synthetic fuels are sanctioned as sustainable.
Craig Winneker, director of communications with the European renewable ethanol association ePURE, questioned why biofuels are not treated consistently across different legislations. In some instances, biofuels are discriminated against, despite their potential to significantly contribute to decarbonisation, he told Euractiv. Winneker also contrasted Europe’s stricter position to a more open treatment in other regions of the world.
