Nachfolgend wird eine geringfügig veränderte und gekürzte Pressemitteilung des Europäischen Parlaments dokumentiert.
The Industry Committee championed more sustainable biofuels in a vote on Thursday when it decided not only to support the Commission proposal that by 2020 at least 10% of the energy used in road transport should be from renewables, but also to insist that at least 40% of that renewable energy would be from more sustainable sources than traditional biofuel. This share would include hydrogen, electricity and „second-generation“ biofuels, made from waste or algae, for example.
MEPs in the committee also decided to set an interim target of 5% by 2015 for renewables in road transport fuel. They maintained the Commission’s 2020 target for Member States to ensure that renewables account for at least 10% of final energy consumption in road transport.
Achieving these targets would contribute to the EU’s overall goal of ensuring that by 2020, renewables account for at least 20% of its total energy consumption. The report by Claude Turmes (Greens/EFA, LU), also covers the electricity and heating and cooling sectors, which must contribute towards the overall goal too.
Traditional biofuels 4%, new alternatives 1% by 2015
Four of the 5% road transport total could consist of traditional, „first-generation“ biofuels, but at least 1% should come from new alternatives that do not compete with food production, says the committee. These alternatives could include electricity and hydrogen produced from renewable sources as well as „second-generation“ biofuels, i.e. those made from waste, ligno-cellulosic biomass, or algae produced in vats.
„10% by 2020“ target to be reviewed by 2014
The committee backed the 10% target for 2020 but stipulated that at least 40% of this target (i.e. 4% of all transport fuels) would have to come from second-generation biofuels, electricity or hydrogen. However, MEPs want this share and the 10% target for 2020 to be reviewed by 2014.
This review should „focus on consequences for food security, biodiversity and the availability of electricity or hydrogen from renewable sources, biogas or transport fuels from ligno-cellulosic biomass and algae“, says the text as amended by the committee.
A modification of the 2020 targets for transport should, however, not affect the EU’s overall target of a 20% share of renewables in total energy consumption by 2020.
Energy efficiency in transport
Furthermore, by 2020, energy efficiency in transport must improve by at least 20% compared to 2005, says another provision adopted by the Industry Committee.
Tighter sustainability criteria
„Biomass for energy“ sustainability criteria were also tightened up: to count towards the transport fuel targets, biofuels must save at least 45% of greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels – the Commission had proposed a saving of 35%. From 2015 onwards, the greenhouse gas emission saving must be at least 60%.
The committee also inserted social sustainability criteria, including respect for the land rights of local communities or the fair remuneration of all workers.
More flexibility to achieve renewables targets jointly
The new directive will require Member States to adopt national renewable energy action plans setting out their national targets for the shares of renewables in transport, electricity, heating and cooling, but Industry Committee MEPs also introduced flexibility mechanisms into the draft directive making it possible for Member States to achieve their renewables targets jointly.
For example, it would be possible for Member States to run joint projects using renewables, or to transfer renewable energy „statistically “ to each other. Member States may also combine their targets and establish joint support schemes to achieve them.
Another provision adopted by the Industry Committee calls on the Commission to impose direct penalties on Member States which fall short of the mandatory interim and 2020 targets.
Improve access of renewables to grid infrastructure
The directive as amended also requires Member States to take all the necessary steps to develop transmission and distribution grid infrastructure, intelligent networks, storage facilities and electricity systems that can be operated safely while accommodating renewable energies.
The report was adopted by 50 votes in favour with two against and no abstentions — Procedure: co-decision — Plenary vote: October I
10/09/2008
In the Chair : Angelika NIEBLER (EPP-ED, DE)