EU Government agree to 7% cap on use of food-based biofuels

EU governments have agreed to cap at 7% the amount of transport biofuels made from food crops. The level is higher than the original 5% cap as proposed by the Commission in 2012, and only modestly below the 8.6% expected under the original 2020 target. Environmental groups described the agreement as a “timid step” in the right direction.

 

The diplomats also agreed on the reporting of emissions from indirect land use change (ILUC) and a target for ‘advanced’ biofuels.

 

The target for advanced biofuels, which include fuels from agricultural waste and residues, was set at 0.5% for transport fuel, however it is non-binding. Member states can also lower their target as long as they as they offer an explanation.

 

A number of EU countries, including Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, rejected the 7% target in December, arguing for a policy that was more ambitious in tackling climate change. Denmark had proposed a cap of 4% according to EurActiv.

 

Fuel made from crops, so-called ‘first generation’ biofuels, have been linked to deforestation, rising carbon emissions and land grabs in the developing world. 

 

EurActiv reported that Rob Vierhout, the secretary-general of ethanol industry association ePure, welcomed the agreement, which he said broke the “deadlock” over biofuels policy.

 

Brussels-based NGO, Transport & Environment's clean fuels officer, Pietro Caloprisco, said: “This is a weak deal that fails to address the issue at hand – emissions from indirect land-use change. But at least it is one small step in the right direction; better than nothing. Governments should rubber stamp it so that negotiations with the new Parliament can begin.”