The European Biodiesel Board (EBB) representing EU producers of FAME, HVO and HEFA from all feedstocks, has published a position paper focussed on the benefits of first-generation biodiesel. The paper comes at a time where the European Commission’s proposed to exclude first-generation (1G) biofuels in the EU emission standards for light duty vehicles.
A widespread misconception about first-generation biodiesel is that it creates competition between food, feed, and fuel production. In reality, it is not a zero-sum game. The total amount of cropland dedicated to biofuel production in the EU was only 3% (2020), and in recent years, “no correlation has been observed between food prices and biofuel demand,” according to the Commission’s 2020 Renewable Energy Progress Report.
Instead, the system is complementary: processing agricultural commodities for biodiesel also generates high-value, non-competing co-products — such as protein-rich animal feed — that are essential to the EU’s agri-food chain. According to its own figures (DG Agri), the EU only produces 27% of the oilseed meals it needs to feed its livestock sector and must import the rest.
EBB Policy Director Domenico Mininni points out: “It’s quite surprising that 1st generation biofuels are limited and capped at every turn. 1G biofuels boost feed production, which is much-needed, and prevents that the EU has to import even more food and feed from other countries. We should cherish this great example of the EU circular economy and industrial competitiveness. Policy makers are aware of the contributions first-generation biofuels make to the EU bioeconomy, but it’s time they draw the consequences: The EU must guarantee that future legislation sustains opportunities for 1G biofuels in achieving transport decarbonisation targets.”
In order to defossilise the transport sector, 1G biodiesel is one of the most cost-effective and readily available solutions. Over 89% of the energy used in the EU transport remains non-renewable. Almost all fossil crude oil and petroleum products are imported.
However, 1G biofuels are neglected in several EU laws, and effectively banned from use in maritime and aviation. Road transport is also still largely dominated by vehicles running on fossil diesel. While policy makers are fully aware of this, the role of 1G biodiesel – delivering on average 65.2% greenhouse gas savings – continues to be limited. In doing so, the EU is banning one of the most inexpensive solutions, that is almost fully produced in Europe.
Policy Director Mininni: “Limiting the role of first-generation biodiesel would clearly be a mistake. We should be ramping up, not hampering progress in meeting EU climate objectives and weakening our strategic independence.”
