European Biotech Industry welcomes European Parliament's decision to support a 10% renewable energy for transport target by 2020

16-Sep-2008 - Belgium

The European Biotech Industry (EuropaBio) backs the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy’s (ITRE) vote to support the mandatory 10% target by 2020 for the transportation sector in the Renewable Energy Directive.

The biotech industry regrets however the introduction of an intermediate target of 5% in 2015 which reduces the current commitment [5.75% in 2010] set out in Biofuels Directive 2003/30/EC. In addition, Parliament’s decision to revise the target in 2014 creates an uncertain environment as industry looks to develop new technologies. “Only a strong and mandatory target will motivate industry for large and long-term investments in innovation. The biotech industry believes that the introduction of the low intermediary target, and the uncertainty created by the 2014 revision are weakening the 10% target and could shift the EU away from biofuel use and hurt European farmers and consumers” said Kirsten Birkegaard Staer, Chair of EuropaBio’s Biofuels Task Force.

EuropaBio supports the inclusion of a minimum greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction qualifying criterion for biofuels starting with a relatively low GHG savings threshold that increases through time. However, the Committee’s vote to set this level at 45% today and 60% in 2015 will raise barriers to the development of a market in first generation biofuels. The biotech industry stresses that the next generation of biofuels depends on the development of a market for the first. Incentives to develop advanced biofuels would be more helpful.

EuropaBio welcomes the overall support given to second generation biofuels with the introduction of an obligation that 40% of the 2020 target be met with advanced technologies. Long-term political commitment and support will be critical for the success and early commercialisation of advanced technologies.

“Europe’s policy makers can and should do more to support the renewable energy sector. Biofuels are essential to realizing a low carbon society and energy security, and for this goal, every solution, including biofuels is important. A wobbly policy environment will hamper the industry’s investment and innovation” said Willy De Greef, EuropaBio Secretary General.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/87106/european-biotech-industry-welcomes-european-parliament-s-decision-to-support-a-10-renewable-energy-for-transport-target-by-2020.html