Responding to the European Commission proposal to amend the Renewable Energy Directive II with a modest increase of the advanced biofuels mandate as part of the "Fit for 55" package, the Advanced Biofuels Coalition LSB says that it is pleased with the increased mandate for advanced biofuels. However, a comprehensive, coordinated, consistent, and stable policy and legal framework for advanced low carbon alternative fuels are needed to secure present and future investments, the Coalition cautions.
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The Advanced Biofuels Coalition LSB, a coalition of leading advanced biofuel producers and technology developers committed to making a significant contribution to meeting the EU ambitions of reducing transport emissions, says that it supports the EU’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 and an increased level of ambition for 2030 targets as presented on July 14, 2021, by the Commission in its “Fit for 55” package of proposals.
The Coalition is “pleased” with the increased mandate for advanced biofuels. The Coalition also welcomes dedicated mandates for sustainable aviation fuels, maritime fuels, and e-fuels (RFNBOs).
However, a comprehensive, coordinated, consistent, and stable policy and legal framework for advanced low carbon alternative fuels are needed to secure present and future investments.
While we welcome the increased role of advanced biofuels, there is a growing concern within the industry that the business environment is becoming extremely complex with so many changes affecting regulatory visibility. In addition to all new proposals presented today, we are still waiting for many crucial delegated and implementing acts based on the original RED II. There is now no time to waste in creating green growth, said Marko Janhunen, Vice-Chair of the Advanced Biofuels Coalition and Director Public Affairs at UPM.
Equally concerning is the fact that a large majority of Member States have missed the July 1, 2021, deadline for transposing the REDII (Directive 2018/2001). This situation creates legal uncertainty for the biofuel industry. LSB urges the Commission to do what is needed to have Member States transposing the REDII swiftly.
Industry calls for investment security. Now it is time for Member States and the European Parliament to walk the talk. We need regulatory visibility for our investments and therefore the focus must be first on implementing the original directive and secondly, on agreeing on the revised REDII as soon as possible, Marko Janhunen said.
Overall, the Coalition regrets the fact that the Commission is not sufficiently recognizing the role that low-carbon liquid fuels can provide in the EU’s decarbonization efforts and in the transition to zero-emission mobility.
Sustainable low-carbon liquid fuels provide significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and can be used in all transport modes and in the existing fleet.
The legislative proposal is a crucial step to achieve the targets set in the EU Climate Law. The industry is ready to play its role but can only do so if a legal framework will be put in place that is conducive, consistent, and clear.
It seems that while the Commission is doing the right thing in setting higher ambition, it is at the same time increasing by a lot of detailed rules on cascading use and sustainability which may be counterproductive in reaching the climate goals, said Marko Janhunen.
Advanced Biofuels Coalition looks forward to engaging with the European Parliament and with member states in the coming months to finalize the REDII amendment proposal.
