The European Biodiesel Board (EBB) has welcomed a proposal by the German and French governments on CO₂ emission standards, saying it recognises the role of sustainable renewable fuels in decarbonising road transport across the European Union, Biofuels International reported.
The EBB, which represents European producers of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) bio-sustainable aviation fuel (bioSAF), said the agreement marked progress towards a technology-neutral approach to emission reduction, although some provisions require further clarification.
The proposal supports a 90% reduction in tailpipe emissions and acknowledges that completely phasing out internal combustion engines would overlook the growing contribution of renewable fuels to the EU’s energy mix.
However, the EBB expressed disappointment that the agreement does not include alternative or additional pathways based on renewable fuel credits, as proposed in the Salini report. According to the organisation, such a credit system could directly incentivise the wider deployment of renewable fuels.
The agreement also introduces a new category of zero-emission vehicles powered exclusively by eligible renewable and low-carbon fuels, offering an alternative pathway to achieving the EU’s ambitious road transport emission reduction targets.
EBB Secretary General Xavier Noyon said the proposal represented a significant step forward but stressed that fuel eligibility should be determined by the criteria established under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED).
Excluding feedstocks that comply with the RED, he warned, could undermine solutions already contributing to decarbonisation.
The EBB also welcomed the proposal’s emphasis on fuels being produced within the EU and said it was ready to work with EU co-legislators to implement the approach.
