Berlin, 26 February 2010. Leading associations and organisations of German agriculture and the biofuels industry have founded the certification system REDcert GmbH. The purpose of the system is to ensure compliance with the requirement of sustainable production of biomass according to the EU Directive on Renewable Energy, which is implemented in national law by the Biomass Sustainability Ordinance in Germany. REDcert comprises all steps, from the production and collection of input materials to processing in oil mills and the production of biofuels. The firm name REDcert is derived from the name of the Renewable Energy-Directive (= RED).
A technical seminar organised by Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e. V. (UFOP) jointly with Arbeitsgemeinschaft Qualitätsmanagement Biodiesel e. V. (AGQM) on 20&21 January 2010 received an unusually positive feedback. More than 120 representatives, most of them from the oilseed processing segment as well as the biodiesel and mineral oil industry, were welcomed by AGQM General Manager Dieter Bockey. The seminar focused on the current obligations and documentation requirements in connection with the “Biofuels” Biomass Sustainability Ordinance, in addition to recent resolutions amending the energy legislation.
At its first meeting in 2010 on the occasion of the International Green Week exhibition, the members of the Board of the Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e.V. (UFOP) discussed the necessity of a sustainable orientation in the development of the strategy for the sale of biodiesel and plant oil fuels.
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In its latest release, DEUTZ AG reports on the state of release for the use of biodiesel as pure fuel. The release lists the engine series for which biodiesel has been permitted as pure fuel and the future TCD 2015 series, for which the release has been announced for 2010.
DEUTZ AG underlines that exclusively biodiesel complying with specification DIN EN 14214 must be used. Users are therefore recommended to make a careful choice of the suppliers and of the necessity of obtaining a letter of guarantee from their suppliers that the specification of DIN EN 14214 will be met. In this context, DEUTZ recommends to its customers in Germany to „provide additional safety of the quality of biodiesel by obtaining a certificate of AGQM (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Qualitätsmanagement Biodiesel e.V.)“.
AGQM understands this recommendation as a special recognition of its activities for providing complete quality assurance for biodiesel as pure fuel both in farming and the transportation sector. AGQM welcomes the commitment by DEUTZ AG with these releases to provide a forward-looking option for changing to biodiesel. AGQM shares the view held by DEUTZ AG that rising prices of mineral oil will finally make the use of biodiesel an attractive alternative.
DEUTZ AG is one of the world’s largest producer of diesel engines for commercial vehicles.
Download the DEUTZ recommendations here.
In Europe, biodiesel takes the most important position amongst the biofuels. World-wide production is constantly growing, but the resources are limited and the type of raw material has a substantial effect on the characteristics of the product. However, the access to the market that biodiesel can achieve depends on the general conditions. Apart from political acceptance, a consistently secured, high quality of the biodiesel is a primary condition for access to and endurance on the market.
The “Arbeitsgemeinschaft Qualitätsmanagement Biodiesel e.V.” (AGQM) therefore wishes to offer an opportunity to exchange ideas on the topics “Political Conditions and Quality”, “Technical Requirements for the Use of Biodiesel” and “Quality Assurance throughout the Branch” with all interested parties. The conference is conceived for the corporate management of biodiesel manufacturers, those responsible for the execution of production and sales, employees of mineral oil companies in which blending with biofuels is already executed or is planned, and those responsible for operative quality assurance.
The situation and future challanges of the biodiesel sector in Germany and in the European Union 2009/2010 - the implementation of the ordinance for sustainable biofuels
Extracts from the UFOP report 2008/2009 written by Dieter Bockey, Biodiesel specialist of the UFOP. The extract gives an overview about the development of Biodiesel production and sales in Germany and describes the political discussion and decisions affecting Biofuels.
The study can be downloaded.
The International Energy Agency’s Task 39 "Commercializing of the 1st and 2nd Generation Liquid Biofuels from Biomass" is going to inform the important producer and consumer countries about the results of a survey of grant policy basic parameters for biofuels with a continually updated report.
Interviewees for the survey were experts of the respectives countries. For Germany, the UFOP presented a report in collaboration with the chairman of the UFOP expert commission „Biofuels and renewable resources“, Prof. Dr. Munack (vTI) who is also a member of the IEA’s Task 39. The report considers the current politic state of discussion as far as possible at the time of delivery.
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Final Report Abstract promoted by:
• Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V. (FNR • Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e.V. (UFOP • Volkswagen AG Wolfsburg • Fuchs Europe Schmierstoffe GmbH
Currently Biodiesel (RME) is mixed according to EN 14214 and EN 590 with up to 5% of fossil Diesel fuel. With a further increase of RME fraction to 10% (B10 blend), there are uncertainties regarding the undisturbed longlife behavior due to variations of the physicochemical properties of RME in comparison to commercial Diesel fuel.
Rapeseed oil in diesel engines
John Deere engines are technologically up-to-date and prove their reliability even under the most demanding operating conditions. An indispensible prerequisite for this capacity is a fuel that matches the Diesel-Standard (EN 590).
The research at John Deere is working intensely on applications of alternative fuels. These new concepts must also reach a high performance and product reliability at all costs – the specific development is accordingly demanding.
During the testing of rapeseed oil as an alternative to diesel, John Deere will be cooperating with partners renowned in this area of expertise. The development is however, not yet completed; an approval for rapeseed oil can thus not yet be given at this time.
Berlin, July 13, 2009 - Modern cars can run on B10 fuel, i.e., fuel containing 10 per cent by volume biodiesel, under certain conditions. So far, suppliers have only released B7 fuel (7% admixture). This is the result of fleet tests organized by the Association of the German Bio Fuel Industry (VDB) with assistance of the Union for the Advancement of Oil and Protein Crops (UFOP).
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Effects of the changed minimum shares Recalculation of the tax rates for pure fuel Climate protection quotas for biofuel from 2015 onwards UFOP informs about the Amendment Act on the Promotion of Biofuel
Apart from making changes in the legislation, such as the reduction of the total biofuel quota in the fuel market by 1 per cent to 5.25 per cent for 2009, Parliament has also passed a resolution, in which it calls on the government to ensure that the sustainability standards applicable for the production, delivery and use of biofuel are observed. The Amendment Act stipulates grave changes in the promotion principles from 2015 in as much, as the use of biofuel will no longer be based on the obligation to observe quotas but to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gas. The Act will thus result in a slower expansion rate for the use of biofuel than expected so far. UFOP informs below about the details of these changes in legislation.
Certification of bioenergy has become considerably more tangible with the publication of European Directive 2009/28/EU for the subsidisation of renewable energy usage on 5th June 2009 and the presentation of the government draft for national sustainability regulations for biomass usage and power generation on 10th June 2009.
as at April 2009
Data of the Federal Environment Ministry on the development of renewable energies in Germany in 2008 (provisional figures) based on information of the Working Group on Renewable Energy Statistics (AGEE-Stat)
Sales of biodiesel as admixture to diesel fuel not affected, for the time being
Regardless of the dramatic decrease in sales of pure biodiesel (B100) and vegetable oil based fuel, German Parliament today approved a government bill amending the financial support available to biofuels. In its report on available tax shields, the Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e. V. (UFOP), the association promoting the use of oil and protein plants, had stated a lack of compensation of 20 Euro-cent per liter of pure biodiesel.
UFOP publishes sales statistics for biodiesel and vegetable oil
Berlin, 9 April 2009 - Following latest information from the Federal Statistical Office and the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control, the statistical results confirm the slump in the sale of biodiesel and vegetable oil in 2008 in comparison with 2007.
German producers are critical of the cessation of the moratorium on palm oil production in peat areas
Berlin, 18 February 2009 – Notwithstanding the global public outcry concerning the use of raw materials from certain origins for the production of bio-fuel, AP reports that the Indonesian government has revoked the moratorium prohibiting the production of palm oil in peat areas, which had been in force for many years. The drainage of these areas as a precondition for palm oil the establishment of plantations in these areas and the related depletion of humus in these soils will directly cause the release of more CO2 into the atmosphere. The Indonesian government is aware of this situation.
Tax policy forces biodiesel filling station operators to give up
Germany has been world champion in the number of filling stations selling biodiesel as B100 for many years. No other country had more filling pumps for pure biodiesel than Germany. The Arbeitsgemeinschaft Qualitätsmanagement Biodiesel e. V. (AGQM) assumes that the number of filling stations selling biodiesel until last year amounted to about 1,900 in this country.
Whenever additives for biodiesel (FAME) are used as blending component in diesel fuel it is very important that the additives are not interacting with the mineral fuel, the additives of the mineral fuel or the engine oil in any forbidden way. In addition to the substance BHT (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-toluene), known as stabilizer of biodiesel for a long time, other substances and products are available in the market. To ensure the safe use, negative impacts of these additives on the performance of the engine must be excluded, from the mixing with the biodiesel (solution behaviour) and the use as blending component in diesel fuel (B7).
Current bio fuel politics in Germany and the EU – a critical appraisal
The biodiesel industry is entering a difficult consolidation phase, not just in Germany, but in the entire European Union. The cause is the discussion and policy position for the introduction of binding quantity objectives for biofuels at both EU and national levels. It is obvious that the non-government organisations (NGOs) have achieved a breakthrough with their criticism and reservations on the green fuel policies issued by the European Union and the German government.
The increasing use of rapeseed meal as feedstuff for pigs and the development of the sales market for laying hens make a low content of glucosinolate an absolute necessity. The Background paper of the UFOP can be downloaded on the following page.
6th BBE/UFOP
international conference on biofuels
1st/2nd of December 2008
International Congress Center Berlin ICC
The market for biofuels for transportation is booming. At the head of the development goes the European Commission with its proposal to enlarge the biofuel share in the transport sector to 10 % by 2020 for all Member States by law. The German government recommends in its “Integrated Climate and Energy Package” even an enlargement to 17 % in the same period. To reach these ambitious targets huge amounts of biofuels will be necessary – or are the targets nonetheless too ambitious? The strategies pose many questions!
This year's International Oilseed Producers Dialogue (IOPD) took place in Berlin from 17 - 18 June 2008 at the invitation of the Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e.V. (UFOP) [Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Crops]. The IOPD represents the oilseed producers associations in North and South America and in the European Union and the growers associations for the production of palm oil in Malaysia.
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The Magazine Of The Union For The Promotion Of Oil And Protein Plants
This year’s rapeseed blossom period is nearly upon us. In 2008, UFOP will once again be making best use of the natural spectacle that characterises the German landscape in spring to provide information on the most important domestic oil crop in its own magazine.
This latest issue of Rapsmagazin focuses on crop utilisation for fuel, a theme that has shifted into the public eye in light of the current fiscal and environmental dialogue. The magazine also reports comprehensively on sustainable rapeseed cultivation in Germany and its use as a raw material in biofuel production.
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UFOP has commissioned the Institute for Energy and Environment (IE) to deliver a survey with an evaluation of cost and environmental performance of biofuels made from native resources. The survey compares calculations of the IE with references in literature. A short version of this study is available for download here.
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UFOP has commissioned the Institute for Energy and Environment (IE) to deliver a survey with an evaluation of cost and environmental performance of biofuels made from native resources. The survey compares calculations of the IE with references in literature. A long version of this study is available for download here.
There are two requirements established in the draft of the “German Biomass Sustainability Ordinance“ (BioNachV):
Bio-fuels may only be taken into account if they meet the needs according to § 37a paragraph clause 1 and 2 in connection with § 37a paragraph 3 of the Federal Immission Control Act (Germany) provided if it can be proven that:
They comply with the requirements mentioned in § 2 regarding the sustainablecultivation of agricultural areas and the requirements mentioned in § 3for the protection of natural habitats,
thebio-fuels have a determined greenhouse gas (GHG)-reduction potentialaccording to § 4 paragraph 1.
Extracts from the UFOP report 2006/2007 written by Dieter Bockey, Biodiesel specialist of the UFOP. The extract gives an overview about the development of Biodiesel production and sales in Germany and describes the political discussion and decisions affecting Biofuels.
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Experts generally agree that for now only biofuels will play an important part in strategic supplies on the way to long-term sustainable mobility in the transport sector, while biofuels are also seen to make an important contribution in fulfilling climate conservation obligations. Germany’s leading technical position in the EU in developing production capacities for biodiesel and also for vegetable oils and bioethanol is a result of Germany’s promotional political framework (biofuel quota legislation) and the current market environment of comparatively high fossil fuel prices. The report of the UFOP can be downloaded on the following page.
Industrial engines of the TCD 2012 and 2013 series released for operation with biodiesel
DEUTZ AG, Cologne, has successfully tested operation of the six-cylinder engines of the 2012 4V series (bore/stroke 101/126 mm) with rapeseed methyl ester (RME). Thus operation of the Tier 3 engines of the 2012 and 2013 series with biodiesel fuel according to DIN EN 14214 can be recommended without any restriction. This is the result of comprehensive tests carried out recently with the support of the “Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen” (UFOP).
In Europe, biodiesel takes the most important position amongst the biofuels. The “Arbeitsgemeinschaft Qualitätsmanagement Biodiesel e.V.” (AGQM) therefore wishes to offer an opportunity to exchange ideas on the topics “Political Conditions and Quality”, “Technical Requirements for the Use of Biodiesel” and “Quality Assurance Throughout the Branch” with all interested parties. The closing date is the 12th September 2007. To apply, please use the application form on the AGQM homepage.
The following version of the legislation of the biofuel quota does not represent the official translation. Content is intended for information only. Legally binding is the official German version in the Bundesgesetzblatt, which can be found under: http://www.bundesgesetzblatt.makrolog.de/.
Search tip: Click on the ‘Aufschlagen’ button (in the vertical left pull-down menu) and select ‘BGBI’. In the text box below type the year ‘2006’; in the text below that, type the page number ‘3180’. If you click on ‘Go’, the download option for the legislation/directive should appear.
According to a survey by the Working Group for a Qualitiy Managementsystem for Biodiesel reg. Ass. the carrying business was the most important customer of the German biodiesel economy consuming 1,25 million tons of the environment-friendly fuel. Experts believe that the tax-privileged price of biodiesel helped to prevent Germans form refuelling abroad.
These guidelines have been developed under the Unilever Sustainable Agriculture Initiative in cooperation with UFOP to support sustainable management practices for winter oilseed rape (WOSR) production.
Biofuels are seen by experts currently as the only alternative to fossil fuels which are able to make a noteworthy contribution to secure mobility in the short to medium-term. This was emphasised by the Association of the German Automobile Industry (VDA) in February 2006 when it imposed a voluntary 10 % blending obligation of biofuels to diesel fuel and gasoline for the car industry.
Key words: biodiesel, biofuel quota act, DIN EN 14214, taxation, biodiesel market.
Key points for the Advancement of the Biofuel Strategy in Germany and the European Union
Published by: German Farmers’ Association (DBV)
Association of German Biofuel Industry (VDB)
German Biofuel Association (LAB)
Union for Promoting Oil and Proteinplants (UFOP)
On the occasion of the 1st International Conference for Biodiesel Producers on the premises of the Land- und Ernährungswirtschaft (Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences) in Berlin from 24 to 25 November 2006, the Chairman of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Qualitätsmanangement Biodiesel e.V. (Working Committee Quality Management Biodiesel), Dr Jürgen Fischer, welcomed 60 participants from 17 countries. In his speech, the AGQM Chairman presented the reasons and the findings gleaned to date with regard to the quality assurance concept for biodiesel as drawn up by the AGQM.
With a sales volume of around 1.8 m tonnes per annum in 2005, biodiesel has become the most significant alternative to fossil fuel.
Please find for your information the current status report on the following page.
In its 2004 report on sustainable development the previous German government reached the conclusion for fuels that by 2020 the increase in efficiency in diesel and Otto engines as well as innovative power generation concepts will play a central role. Biofuels such as biodiesel will in the future particularly be incorporated as components of blends. The same conclusion was reached by the previous German government for the future use of both Gas to Liquid fuels (GTL) as well as Biomass to Liquid fuels (BTL). Concerning the above formulated theses, the new German government will probably come to a similar assessment, too.
The updated report of the UFOP “Biodiesel and vegetable oils as fuels” offers an overview of the current situation of biodiesel and vegetable oils. In 1990 when the UFOP was founded, biodiesel was an unknown product in Germany. With its inter-professional structure, the association had placed its reliance on this alternative fuel from the very beginning. In the meantime biodiesel has established itself as the biofuel in Germany.
Product quality requirements for FAME
Within the space of a decade, bio-diesel has turned from a virtually unknown product into a significant fuel on the market. Germany’s bio-diesel turnover accounted for just 45,000 t in 1995, but had risen to about 1,800,000 t in 2005. Although the emergence of bio-diesel in Germany is undoubtedly a success story, questions continue to arise with regards to the fuel's potential applications, problems and properties. The diversity of expressions "Bio-diesel", "FAME", "PME", "RME" and "AME" is causing increasingly confusion among sellers and buyers. Bio-diesel is often mistaken for vegetableoil fuel, although both products differ in terms of basic properties. This article is intended to improve the reader's understanding of this topic.
The changes to the law on the mineral oil tax which contained new tax incentives for biofuels came into effect in January 2004. The new rules triggered a wave of investment in the biodiesel industry so that, by the end of 2005, an additional 740,000 tonnes of production capacity will have come online bringing the total to around 2 mln tonnes. Dieter Bockey, consultant of the UFOP, gives current information of the Biodiesel Market in Germany.
The suggestion by the German government to introduce duties on biodiesel was rejected by the “Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants“ (UFOP). This conclusion was reached by the German government in its recently issued report to parliament on the tax incentives for biological fuels. The report of the German Government on the tax-privilege for biofuels ans Bio-heatingoil can be downloaded.