EU Biofuels Strategy

In December 2005 the European Commission adopted a Biomass Action Plan designed to increase the use of energy from forestry, agriculture and waste materials. The European Commission is now focusing on transport, which is responsible for around 21% of the EUs harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

A wide range of actions is already being taken. Vehicle manufacturers are developing more fuel efficient engines. Efforts are being made to improve public transport and rationalise the transportation of goods.

 

In 2003 the Biofuels Directive on the promotion of the use of biofuels and other renewable fuels for transport, set out indicative targets for Member States. To help meet the 2010 target - a 5.75% market share for biofuels in the overall transport fuel supply - the European Commission has adopted an EU Strategy for Biofuels, along seven policy axes:

- Stimulating demand for biofuels

- Capturing environmental benefits

- Developing the production and distribution of biofuels

- Expanding feedstock supplies

- Enhancing trade opportunities

- Supporting developing countries

- Supporting research and development

 

Follow-up work in 2006 will include a review of the Biofuels Directive, and its possible revision; a proposal for the revision of the Fuel Quality Directive; and a review of the implementation of the energy crop premium introduced by the 2003 CAP reform.

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