February 14, 2023. The European Commission published its proposal to review Regulation EU 2019/1242 setting CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks and buses, in the EU. This piece of EU legislation is fundamental for the decarbonization of the heavy-duty segment and for supporting the development of all the technologies contributing to the shift towards zero- and low-emission mobility. European Biogas Association (EBA) welcomes the increased ambitions of the proposal and calls on the European Parliament and Council to provide a level playing field for the deployment of all clean technologies.
As acknowledged by the European Commission, the decarbonization of the transport sector will have to rely on multiple and complementary solutions to reduce its GHG emissions while responding to all mission profiles. Sustainable and renewable fuels, such as biomethane, are part of the current alternatives to cut down emissions, given their readiness and compatibility with existing vehicles and refuelling infrastructure.
EBA prises the increased ambitions of the proposal, but regrets the choice of the Commission not to recognize the contribution of renewable fuels, including biomethane, to the decarbonization of the sector. The EU executive body has missed the opportunity to provide a strong positive signal to the biomethane value chain by setting stringent targets at tailpipe without providing a mechanism to factor in the contribution of renewable fuels in reducing overall CO2 emissions across the vehicles lifecycle. Transport operators and vehicle manufacturers should be provided with a legislative framework that encourages them to consider cleaner fuel alternatives to fossil fuels immediately available today.
Biomethane can play an important role to de-risk the uncertainties linked to the development and uptake of other transport technologies. This renewable gas is essential to promote and preserve the EU strategic autonomy in the energy sector and its technological leadership, all activities creating sustainable jobs in Europe.
“While only accounting for 2% of the vehicles on the road in Europe, the heavy-duty sector alone generates around 6% of total GHG emissions in the EU: a major contribution to climate change. The use of biomethane for transport provides a sustainable and readily available and scalable alternative to fossil fuels, being a key player in the transition towards a climate-neutral economy.”, explains Giulia Cancian, Secretary General of the European Biogas Association.
