Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen E.V.
EU biofuel policy – stock preservation beyond 2020
UFOP chairman Vogel demands an ‘iLUC-free’ basic quantity of 7%
Berlin, 09/01/2015 – “The course must now be set for real stock protection for the existing biofuel industry beyond 2020.” The European biofuel industry must be able to develop further based on an ‘iLUC-free’ basic quantity of 7%”. The chairman of the Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e.V. (Union to Promote Oil and Protein Plants), Wolfgang Vogel, directed this call in his letter to the members of the European Parliament committee responsible for the European biofuel policy. By referring to the current UFOP position paper, Vogel reminded readers of the role model function currently demanded in the field of EU sustainability policy.
A cap of 7%, according to the policy position of the EU energy minister council, allows for the “food or fuel” discussion while the scientific world continues to debate the actual circumstances, emphasises UFOP. However, what has been achieved should not be overseen in all of the discussions surrounding the pros and cons of the EU biofuel policy, which are not always conducted with the necessary objectivity. The EU Commission has thus now approved 19 certification systems to ensure sustainability certification with global coverage. The cultivation areas currently certified and the biomass produced on these far exceed the necessary demand for raw materials for biofuel use in the European Union. Biofuels must pass through a comprehensive certification process on a legal basis, stipulates the UFOP. However, this basis would not be applicable after the present reform proposals beyond 2020 and, consequently, would make the system and the certification bodies working in this field redundant.
UFOP also indicates that the certification requirements for biofuels are already a door-opener for further usage paths in the energetic or material use of renewable raw materials. The certification systems must be inspected and re-approved by the Commission in a five-year cycle. In doing so, framework conditions within the meaning of international fair competition could gradually be established in unison, emphasises the association.
In his letter, Vogel also explains the position of UFOP on the ‘iLUC issue’. The sustainability certification has met its limits when it comes to illegal overexploitation in nature. With iLUC factors, European agriculture and the biofuel industry would be punished as well as all companies that uphold the certification criteria in third countries. ‘ILUC factors’ do not save a hectare of rainforest”, highlights Vogel. The introduction of iLUC factors would instead trigger counterproductive suppression and redirection. In view of the price development in the crude oil and plant-based oil markets, the suppression of first generation biofuels from 2020 would only lead to a reorientation in other markets not accompanied by sustainability criteria. Vogel also reminds us that the use of biofuels is linked to constantly rising greenhouse gas minimisation regulations. There are no analogous regulations in fossil fuel markets, pointed out the UFOP chairman.