The EU is entering the next phase with the Renewable Energy bill

Stimulate development of 2nd generation
Comparable to the U.S. law (EISA) the European proposal grants so-called second generation biofuels a higher market value by letting them count double towards the quota. This seems to be a good incentive and will make producing these types of biofuel more attractive. However, the proposal is not very clear in explaining all the feedstock that can be used. For example wastes and residues can be used but it doesn’t define these raw materials. To avoid ambiguity a clear definition of those raw materials are necessary. The extra credit is a major step towards the commercialization of advanced biofuels but it is not yet enough. The EU finally needs to put the money where its mouth is and back the legislative initiative by increased expenditure for research and development – as the American example shows.

Securing Europe’s mobility while reducing GHG emissions
Why do we need a binding target for biofuels? The answer is very simple: Biofuels have two unique characteristics, which make them indispensable. They are to date the only mean to a) decrease the EU’s heavy dependence on fossil fuel imports from politically unstable regions and b) to reduce ever-growing GHG emissions from road transport. In the EU however those two goals are not on equal footing. Due to a growing number of very vocal pressure groups political Brussels seems to loose the energy security aspect out of sight. Unlike in the U.S.A. the public debate in the EU runs circles around the sustainability issue while downplaying the necessity of domestic biofuels production to secure Europe’s mobility.
The proposal reflects this in several ways. To give an example: Despite the fact that energy security is mentioned in the recitals of the Directive no legal measure is inserted to make it happen. Also the pivotal question of trade is simply been pushed back to 2012. But to ensure energy security those issues need to be addressed as soon as possible.
In contrast to the stony silence in this aspect, the proposal incorporates three articles and one annex about sustainability. Regardless this imbalance, the EU bioethanol fuel industry still supports most of the proposed criteria.