As negotiations for redrafting the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) are underway during the trilogue procedure, the Methanol Institute (MI) called the negotiating parties to recognise the importance of all sustainable renewable fuels in reducing emissions in transportation.
(MI) said that energy efficiency and renewable fuels are still the best short-term and mid-term solutions to tackle CO2 emissions from the engines used in trucks, buses, ships, airplanes and the majority of passenger cars.
For this reason it urges for ambitious levels of low carbon, and renewable fuels in transport of at least 15% in 2030, including a sub-target for advanced renewable fuels. To reach this goal the EU must consider the options that are available even today, such us:
Fuel ethers improve energy efficiency through high octane fuels
Higher performing fuels mitigate air pollution already today. Using fuel ethers as blending components of petrol optimizes its performance and reduces emissions that impact human health and the environment. As key components for the production of high-octane fuels, fuel ethers enable the reduction of air pollutants such as NOx by 5%, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) by 15% and Particulate Matter (PM) by 30%.
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Biodiesel retain the 7% cap for sustainable 1st gen biofuels
In 2015, the EU agreed to a Renewable Energy Directive to tackle for the effects of ILUC, capping the use of food and feed crop-based biofuels at 7%. Any attempt to now further reduce this cap can only be explained as political inconsistency. If 1st generation biofuels meet EU sustainability criteria, there is no reason not to allow their use for reducing CO2 emissions in existing fuels today.
Annex IX – part A – Adopt a clear definition of advanced biofuels supported by a list of approved sustainable feedstocks
The current RED II proposal defines advanced biofuels as those that are made from feedstocks listed in Annex IX part A. However, the definition as by the Sub Group on Advanced Biofuels (SGAB) finds a more pragmatic approach, as it says that: “Advanced Biofuels are those produced from biomass other than food/feed crops while meeting the EU sustainability regime under the legislation in force. Examples of these sustainable feedstocks are listed in Annex IX part A. Feedstocks can be added to the list by the European Commission by delegated act but not removed”.
Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin – Allow the use of PPA’s for the production of e-fuels and focus on point sources of CO2 first
As renewable electricity grows, a practical energy storage also becomes more and more evident. Besides short-term storage in batteries, chemical storage of electricity in so-called Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBIO) offers numerous benefits.
For the supply of renewable electricity for the production of e-fuels, the Council’s ‘General Approach’ recommendation to allow the use of power-purchase agreements (PPA’s) ensures that renewable electricity has indeed been generated and supplied to the installation,.
Multipliers – Cancel any form of multipliers for renewable energy
MI says that the use of multipliers incorrectly gives the impression that targets are met whereas in reality the actual amount of renewable energy in transport is lower than is actually required.
