Biofuels

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.

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.

Romania allows derogations in fossil fuel blending

The Romanian government adopted on 9 April an emergency ordinance that changes the regulations on fuel sales and allows the sale of gasoline and diesel without the mandatory quotas including biofuels, EURACTIV.ro reported.

Viability of synthetic palm oil versus natural palm oil

For several decades now, and ever since the early 1980s, palm oil has been called out as a problem for a number of different reasons, write Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali and Dr Kalyana Sundram.

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.

EU biofuel industry warns Commission about ‘derogations’ in fossil fuel blending

A number of member states in Central and Eastern Europe are considering “derogations” in fossil fuel blending as part of the extraordinary measures to tackle the economic implications of the coronavirus, the EU biofuels industry has warned.

Stakeholders call for ‘reality check’ on EU road transport and energy policy

Europe’s ambitious plans for road transport decarbonisation need a “reality check” in order to result in a pragmatic decrease of emissions and oil products, energy stakeholders told EURACTIV.com.

How biofuels enter the race against the coronavirus pandemic

For 2020, hand sanitisers and disinfectants are what new iPhones and electric vehicles were for 2019. So, who are the Apples and Teslas of ethyl alcohol, asks Zoltán Szabó and explains how a climate solution is being turned into health assistance.

Don’t forget those 2020 targets

The EU Green Deal discussion is focused on 2030 and 2050, but it overlooks some important deadlines that are looming large, writes Emmanuel Desplechin.

Europe’s oil dependency to stick to transport up to 2030

Despite the European Commission's proclaimed aim of decarbonising transport, and various pieces of legislation it has pushed forward, Europe’s transport sector will remain heavily dependent on oil until 2030.

How the EU’s Green Deal could help trigger a historic EU-ASEAN trade deal

There has been much fanfare over the EU’s new Green Deal, a three-decade plan to make the EU climate neutral by 2050. Lauded as “revolutionary”, “visionary” and a “game-changer”, it has been applauded across the globe. Understandably so: the stated goals are nothing short of commendable, writes Teresa Kok.

Malaysia relies on sustainable palm oil to keep entry into European market

Malaysia is to send a delegation to Europe by the end of February to present its newly adopted measures to make palm oil production sustainable, in a move that aims to circumvent a potential European Union ban on palm oil by 2030.

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.

France’s palm oil tax saga continues

French NGOs and multinational oil and gas company Total continue their arm-wrestling over the tax status of palm oil used in crop-based biofuels. EURACTIV France reports.

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,

Could bacteria help recycle greenhouse gases in the future?

Could bacteria assist in the recycling of greenhouse gases in the future instead of releasing them into the atmosphere? European researchers are working to reverse the metabolism of intestinal bacteria that feed on CO2 so that they form products that can be used at an industrial level. EURACTIV Germany reports.

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 imports of soy should be reduced, says Agriculture Commissioner

The EU should gradually go in the direction of reducing soy imports from third countries, although not overnight, by supporting the production of protein plants in Europe, the EU's Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski said on Monday (16 December).

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.

Biofuel expert calls on EU to revisit RED II to avoid ‘impetus of oil’

The EU should look at how countries across the world promote biofuels in their national policies and, following the announcement of the Green Deal, basically “revisit” the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) on road transport decarbonisation, a biofuel expert told...