German and French push for policy to support tech to open biofuels market
In Belgium, European Biodiesel Board (EBB) applauds the German and French government for taking the initiative on an agreement that encourages technology openness. While there are points in the agreement that would warrant further clarification, the proposal marks a clear step forward in recognizing the contributions of sustainable renewable fuels to the defossilization of EU road transport. The text explicitly recognizes that a complete phase-out of the internal combustion engine would neglect the broad and increasing use of renewable fuels in the EU energy mix, and on this basis supports a 90% tailpipe emission reduction target. Regretfully, no alternative or additional pathways to achieve the target through the use of renewable fuel credits – as designed in the Salini report – are part of the deal. Such a credit system would represent a direct incentive to further deployment of these fuels. Importantly, the text introduces a new category of zero-emission vehicles, exclusively powered by eligible renewable and low-carbon fuels. This offers a promising alternative to reach the ambitious CO2 emission reduction goals in road transport.
Category: Policy
