Release
Leading European advanced biofuels companies, Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels (LSB), welcome the fact that the Council agreed on a political agreement on ILUC.
The LSB state: “The Council of ministers have taken an important but small step forward in order to create certainty in the biofuels markets. The advanced biofuels mandate is essential to ensure investment decisions are made in Europe. We regret the fact that the targets have been diluted to non-binding but hope that the final directive will in the end ensure regulatory certainty for the sector”.
It has taken almost two years of discussions while the industry has been putting investments in the low carbon fuel industry on hold. Now member states have agreed on an important, but vague, compromise on the renewal of the renewable energy directive and the fuel quality directive.
“Now it is the time to move forward. The revision of the directive should be finalized during the upcoming Italian presidency, and the EU member states must agree in the October Council meeting on a progressive and binding continuation of the advanced biofuels mandate beyond 2020”, state the LSB.
Advanced biofuels offer unique opportunities for the European economy. Our companies can deliver advanced biofuels that benefit both the economy and the environment. Advanced biofuels can reduce GHG emissions up to 90% compared with fossil fuels, offer jobs in rural areas of Europe, build credible and concrete investments in the European bioeconomy and reduce our dependence on external energy sources.
The LSB conclude: “It is in the hand of politicians now. In order to secure investments to move forward, the EU must agree on a clear pathway for the advanced biofuels up to 2020 and beyond. We are excited to see many member states recognize the benefits of advanced biofuels and have set, or are about to set, demanding national targets. Now it is high-time for the European union to show leadership and agree on a European-wide strategy.”
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