Proposals to Cap Crop-Based Biofuels

EU Energy Ministers have backed a proposal to limit the amount of crop-based biofuels, such as biodiesel from rapeseed, that can count towards the EU’s 10% renewable transport fuel target.  The proposed cap is 7%.  The 10% renewables target came into effect in 2009.  However, it has faced mounting opposition due to fears that the production of bioethanol and biodiesel are competing with land for food production and causing greenhouse gas emissions due to forest clearance and the draining of peat land.  Back in 2012 the concept of Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) was introduced, which was a way of recording the impact if new land was required to meet the demand for feed and fuel.  Many Member States said the cap was too high (Belgium, Italy, Netherlands and Luxembourg), but agreement was reached at 7% together with the introduction of a mandatory target of0.5% for encouraging the use of ‘advanced’ biofuels; these are produced from residues and waste.  The proposal now has to gain approval from the European Commission, who in  its position adopted last year sought tougher targets from advanced biofuels.  A deal is not is not expected to be struck until later this year.