Alternative & renewable fuels
We won’t get there without sustainable biofuels
It is common knowledge by now: transport is and stays a big greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter in the EU and worldwide. It accounted for 27% of EU-28 total emissions in 2017, and the sector runs almost entirely on fossil fuel. David Chiaramonti and Giacomo Talluri explain how this can be curbed.
Greener aviation set for end-of-year lift
An EU initiative aimed at boosting the uptake of cleaner aviation fuels is set to launch at the end of 2020 and a new push by the European Commission to streamline tax policy might yet have a big impact on air travel’s carbon footprint.OpinionPromoted content
Green Finance Taxonomy: sustainable opportunities for transport
The recent adoption of the Taxonomy Regulation by the European Parliament marks the last legislative step for creating the world’s first classification of sustainable economic activities. It is expected to leverage on private investments to set in motion the transformation of the EU economic activities, transport systems included. A rational roadmap to implement available solutions without risky shortcuts is not planned yet.
Airbus ponders hydrogen’s flying future
European aerospace giant Airbus sees hydrogen power as “one of the most promising technologies available” to decarbonise air travel and is looking to utilise it as part of plans to roll out a zero-emission aircraft by 2035.
Report: Europe’s imported UCO mainly comes from China and palm oil producer countries
A new report has found that more than half the Used Cooking Oil (UCO) used in Europe for biodiesel in 2019 was imported (1.5 million tonnes out of 2.8 million tonnes).
Largest electric plane in Europe takes to the skies over the UK
A six-seater battery-powered aircraft flew for the first time over the UK on Monday (22 June), becoming Europe’s largest e-plane in the process just as the aviation industry revealed that it wants the EU to invest big in the future of flight innovation.
EU lacks ‘complete overview’ about used cooking oil origins
The European Commission does not have a “complete overview” of the origin of used cooking oils used for the production of biodiesel consumed in the EU, but appears set to tighten the rules, EURACTIV has learned.
France unveils €15bn in aerospace aid
The French government on Tuesday (9 June) lifted the lid on a €15 billion support package for its lucrative but embattled aerospace sector. The scheme involves a €500 million investment fund for smaller companies and a plan to debut a carbon-neutral plane by 2035.
Biomass can contribute to sector integration in Green Deal
Member states can integrate their Energy and Climate plans into the Common Agricultural Policy to develop sustainable and resource-efficient biomass value chains, write David Chiaramonti and Calliope Panoutsou. Sector integrated biomass policies at national level will facilitate prioritisation within geographic...
Commission re-opens controversial advanced biofuel list in transport
The European Commission has launched a stakeholder consultation to expand the list of the so-called advanced or second-generation biofuels of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), EURACTIV.com has learnt.
Four cities call for multi-billion-euro clean bus fund
The European Commission has been urged by to set up a multi-billion euro grant scheme for zero-emission buses and to help cities build new cycle paths, as part of the EU’s coronavirus recovery package.
Stakeholders back ‘linking’ biomass policy to CAP
Linking biomass policy to key EU policy sectors such as agriculture would create a win-win situation that would help the bloc deliver its Green Deal goals and create a sustainable market, a number of stakeholders told EURACTIV.com.
Biodiesel boss: Green Deal could use available technologies ‘without prejudices’
The much-awaited re-visit of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) should get rid of “prejudices” and take advantage of technologies and products already placed on the market, a biodiesel stakeholder told EURACTIV.com in an interview.
Dropping biofuel mandate would be a toxic blow for the industry
Last week a large group of EU-based biofuel producers and associations raised a red flag that some Member States are considering or are already dropping the mandates on renewable energy in transport in view of the COVID-19 crisis.
Spain finally sends 2030 climate plan to Brussels
The Spanish government has submitted its energy and climate plan for 2030 to the European Commission, three months after the deadline, while five EU countries, including France, still need to turn in their strategies.
Nordics bet on advanced biofuels to suit carbon neutrality ambitions
Scandinavian governments put the bar high up in their commitment to becoming carbon neutral and several companies have responded by developing new technologies to harness forest resources, the Nordic green gold, in a bid to reduce transport emissions.
Portuguese tech institute to produce advanced biofuels from tree-pruning-waste
A project to use the waste from pruning vines and fruit trees to produce advanced biofuel is being developed at the BLC3 Campus of Technology and Innovation in Oliveira do Hospital, the campus president said today. EURACTIV's partner Lusa.pt reports.
Carmakers renew calls for recharge revolution, as grim sales figures loom
Some of the EU’s most powerful auto players called once again on Wednesday (22 January) for a mass rollout of recharging points and refuelling stations for fuels like hydrogen, as the industry offered up more clues as to how it intends to lessen its climate impact.
Investing in consumer ‘proximity’ to produce biodiesel from UCO
A Greek company says it has found a way to collect much more effectively used cooking oil for biodiesel production: by making it easier for consumers to find nearby collection points and avoid simply pouring the used oil down their kitchen sink,
Shipping to splash out on ammonia in green bid
A shipbuilder and engine maker are among leading companies looking to develop a vessel that can run on ammonia as part of efforts to speed up carbon reductions in shipping through cleaner fuel options, officials said on Wednesday (15 January).
Lisbon bus project uses 100% used cooking oil as fuel
Lisbon’s public transportation company CARRIS has joined forces with the private sector in a project aiming to boost sustainable mobility in the country’s capital through the use of 100% used cooking oils.
EU plans ‘big increase’ in green gas to meet climate goals
Production of biogas, biomethane and “green” hydrogen will have to skyrocket by at least 1,000% over the next three decades in order to reach the EU’s climate neutrality objective for 2050, an EU official has said.
Indonesia hits European Union with WTO lawsuit over palm oil
Indonesia on Sunday (15 December) said it has filed a World Trade Organisation lawsuit against the European Union over plans to phase out palm oil-based biofuel for cars, the trade ministry said.
