EC Enforces Target Levels for Biofuels
June 30, 2006
"Biofuels contribute to our security of energy supply, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create jobs in rural areas. I would like to urge Italy and Greece to quickly fulfil their obligations under the directive," said EC Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs. "I would also like to take this opportunity to remind member states that this year's report is due on 1 July 2006. It is particularly important to submit these reports on time, because they will form the basis for the commission's review of the directive later this year."
Biofuels' share of the petrol and diesel market in the European Union (EU) was only 0.6% in 2003 and remained less than 1% in 2004. The biofuels directive sets the reference values of a 2% share in 2005 and a 5.75% share in 2010. Member states may set their own indicative targets - however, if these differ from the reference value, member states have to explain why. The EC will report on progress towards the 2005 reference value and targets later in 2006.
In its biomass action plan (adopted in December 2005) and biofuels strategy (adopted in February 2006), the EC set out measures to further promote biofuels, including:
- Assessing the impact of increasing the amount of biofuels that can be blended in petrol and diesel.
- Examining the use of certificates to ensure that the raw materials used are cultivated in a sustainable way.
- Helping developing countries to produce biofuels.
- Promoting a balanced approach to biofuels trade, while respecting the interests of domestic producers and of EU trading partners.
Member states' national reports under the biofuels directive are available at http://europa.eu.int/comm/energy/res/legislation/biofuels_en.htm.
The EC's consultation paper for the review of the directive is available at http://ec.europa.eu/energy/res/legislation/biofuels_consultation_en.htm.
The consultation is open until July 10, 2006.
[1] Directive 2003/30/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of Ministers of May 8, 2003 on the promotion of the use of biofuels and other renewable fuels for transport, OJ L123 of May 17, 2003.
Source: European Commission.