Area
European Union
Commodity Group
Biofuels
Commodity
Biodiesel
Date
01/12/2017
Policy Category
Renewable energy
Policy Instrument
Biofuel policy
Description
Informed about plans to reform the EU\'s Renewable Energy Directive.
Notes
The European Council outlined its position regarding the reform of the blocs Renewable Energy Directive for the period 20212030. The Council proposed to retain the existing target of 27 percent renewable energy in total energy consumption in 2030. In the transport sector, the 14 percent target for each member state would be maintained for 2030, with a sub-target of 3 percent for advanced biofuels. Also the existing 7-percent cap for first-generation biofuels (such as vegetable oil-based biodiesel) would be maintained. If a member state sets a lower cap, it would have the option of lowering its overall target for renewables in transport. By comparison, the proposals tabled by the European Commission envisaged a progressive reduction of food-based fuels and their replacement with second-generation biofuels (see MPPU Dec.16). Also the European Parliament called for more ambitious overall targets and recommended to distinguish between first-generation biofuels produced using sustainable practices and those purportedly produced in an unsustainable manner (see MPPU June17).
