The European biodiesel industry evolves in a heavily regulated environment both at EU and national level. On behalf of its members, since 1997 the EBB is involved in the shaping of EU policies relevant for the biodiesel.
Historically, the key policy instrument for our industry has been the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED) in its different versions since the first one adopted in 2009.
The RED regulates the sustainability criteria, the greenhouse (GHG) gas savings (methodology and thresholds), the objectives for integration of renewable energy by type of end use (transport, electricity, heating & cooling) as well as the rules regarding certification and reporting. The RED II leaves room for flexibility in the implementation at national level.
Biodiesel can be used in all types of transport modes (road, aviation, maritime and inland shipping). Road transport is dominant in terms of volume but the other applications offer growing opportunities reinforced by the climate ambitions of the Green Deal and the Fit for 55 Package (RED III, Fuel Quality Directive, FuelMaritimeEU, RefuelEUAviation, Energy Taxation Directive, CO2 standards for cars, vans and trucks, European Emissions Trading System, Effort Sharing Regulation, etc.).
Biodiesel can be produced from a wide array of feedstocks: food and feed crops, waste & residues, and other innovative feedstocks. Food and feed crops account for most of the production in Europe, and the different co-products from the crushing and transformation of various oil seeds contribute to the protein independence of the EU as well as the European bioeconomy. The crops grown in Europe generate additionally revenue for our farmers, and the EBB works closely with the agricultural value chain. The use of wastes and residues contributes to the EU circular economy.
At global level, the EU is a champion in terms of both the production and consumption of biodiesel, with more than 14 million tonnes per year. In a globalised market, the EBB represents producers located in the EU and ensures that both commodities and biodiesel are imported on a level playing field with our members. The EBB initiates and support trade defence cases to avoid dumping and other unfair practices.
