Mandatory Biofuel Content in transportation fuels (Royal Decree 459/2011)
The Spanish Hydrocarbons Law 34/1998 October 7th was amended by Law 12/2007 July 2nd resulting, among others, in the establishment of mandatory biofuels blending requirements to meet the target of 5.83% biofuel use in transport by 2010. Therefore Law 34/1998 established compulsory biofuel use of 3.4% for 2009, rising up to 5.83% of fuel energy value in 2010. The 1.9% level set for 2008 was indicative, not compulsory.
Order ITC/2877/2009 October 9th, laid down a mechanism for the development of the use of biofuels and other renewable fuels in transport, in order to reach the objectives set down in the amended Law 34/2008.
From 1st April 2011, Royal Decree 459/2011 set new mandatory objectives:
- The targets for biofuels in all diesel and gasoline are 6.2% in 2011, 6.5% in 2012 and 6.5% in 2013.
- Minimum targets for biofuels in diesel are: 6.0% in 2011, 7.0% in 2012 and 7.0% in 2013
- Minimum targets for biofuel in gasoline are: 3.9% in 2011, 4.1% in 2012 and 4.1% in 2013. Law 11/2013, to support entrepreneurs and boost economic growth and job creation, established mandatory goals for biofuels for 2013 and coming years (minimum target for biofuels in diesel and gasoline is 4,1%, 4,1% for biofuels in diesel and 3,9% for biofuels in gasoline).
Order IET/2786/2015 of 17 December modifies Order ITC/2877/2009 (articles 3, 4, and 11) revising the targets, and establishing a global and unique annual target excluding restrictions by type of product (diesel or gasoline). This makes easier for the obliged parties to attain the annual target.
Royal Decree 1085/2015 establishes new mandatory targets for the following years: 4,3% in 2016, 5% in 2017, 6 % in 2018, 7 % in 2019 and 8,5 % in 2020.
Want to know more about this policy ? Learn more