Fuels Europe welcomes the expansion of the list of eligible feedstocks in Annex IX of the Renewable Energy Directive

Brussels, 24 May 2024

FuelsEurope warmly welcomes the entry into force on June 7^th of the Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/1405 of 14 March 2024 amending the list of sustainable biofuel and biogas feedstocks in Annex IX of the Renewable Energy Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (the 'RED'). This updated list is a crucial element for our members to continue transforming and accelerating the production of biofuels, as it expands the range of feedstocks that have significant potential to help achieve the EU's climate targets.

Achieving transport decarbonisation and reaching net-zero emissions is unattainable without a a significant ramp-up of biofuels. The industry's investment and production timelines are measured in decades. The RED's Annex IX enshrines long-term clarity on renewable feedstock classification and eligibility. A quick and consistent transposition of its revision by Member States is now critical to secure the required investments in the newly added feedstocks to boost production and meet the growing demand for non-food competing biofuels.

Theinclusion of new feedstocks to Annex IX Part A will contribute to the EU's ambitious combined target of using 5.5% of the energy consumed in transport in the form of advanced biofuels and renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) by 2030. FuelsEurope particularly welcomes the inclusion of intermediate crops and crops grown on severely degraded land in Part A, which broaden the range of eligible raw materials for manufacturing Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) as defined in ReFuelEU Aviation (Regulation (EU) 2023 2405). This addition provides positive market prospects for investing in these feedstocks, helping in meeting the ambitious SAF mandate applicable to fuel suppliers, aircraft operators and Union airports from 2025 onwards.

Annex IX Part B biofuels and biogas are critical for achieving cost-efficient transport decarbonisation. The introduction of new feedstocks in Part B necessitates increasing the 1.7% cap (RED Article 27.1 (c) (iv)) for their contribution to the transport target to unlock investments and maximize biofuel potential for decarbonisation beyond the aviation sector. Without prejudice to the Member States' right to request a local increase of that cap (RED Art. 27.2), FuelsEurope encourages the European Commission to consider adopting a delegated act and raise the cap consistently at the Union level in accordance with Articles 27.3 and 35 of the RED.