Energy Committee calls for larger role for bioethanol and advanced biofuels

The most important elements of the ITRE opinion:

• Mandatory target for ethanol in petrol of 7.5%.

• Increased cap on conventional biofuels (excluding energy crops) of 6.5%. 

• Mandatory targets for advanced biofuels of 0.5% in 2016, 2.5% in 2020, 4% in 2025, no multiple counting. 

• No ILUC factors (neither accounting nor reporting). Commission to report on ILUC modelling by the end of 2015; recognition of ILUC mitigation, Commission to make a proposal by 2015. 

Overall, this is a strong signal for recognising the benefits of advanced biofuels and bioethanol within the transport fuel mix.

The Energy Committee has an "associated" status for this file, which means its proposals will be put straight to the plenary vote. The lead Environment Committee, which is the lead committee, will vote on 10 July. The plenary vote giving the mandate to start negotiations with the Council is expected to take place in early autumn.