1st European B+ Summit: Decarbonising HDVs with Higher Biodiesel Blends

by Xavier Noyon (EurActiv/European Biodiesel Board) The 1st European B+ Summit conference, held in Estoril, Portugal, from 26 to 28 April 2023, brought together industry players from across Europe to discuss the decarbonisation of Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDVs) through higher biodiesel blends.

Organized by three major European biodiesel industry associations – EBB, ABA, and EWABA – the conference brought a renewed sense of momentum in the industry’s push to promote the use of green fuels to rapidly phase out fossil fuels in road transport.

Over the course of the three-day event, 150+ attendees discussed how the biodiesel industry can contribute to the EU climate goals, future opportunities, and challenges ahead. Important key messages emerged from the keynote speeches and panel discussions.

First, the future is eclectic, not exclusively electric. All decarbonisation alternatives should be used, especially where they deliver quicker and efficient results. Biodiesel is crucial for the EU to meet its ambitious decarbonisation targets, particularly in the HDVs and maritime sectors. Industry leaders emphasized that biofuels are today’s most relevant solution reducing the EU’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 90%, while promoting the EU’s circular economy and bioeconomy. More importantly, due to their immediate compatibility, higher FAME biodiesel blends, HVO, and other renewable fuels are low-hanging fruits to abate GHGs from the existing HDV fleet in the most cost-effective way.

Second, the biodiesel industry is ready to deliver a faster transition toward climate neutrality. Many speakers highlighted that the biodiesel industry is already making significant strides in reducing emissions from the transport sector and, in many cases, is setting more ambitious targets than those mandated by EU regulations. UN Scope 3 voluntary commitments are a big part of this effort, and industry leaders emphasized that regulations should keep pace with market developments and enable the industry to operate efficiently and effectively. This requires a supportive EU regulatory framework that recognizes the unique characteristics of the biodiesel industry, and ensures fair competition between all powertrain technologies.

Third, collaboration between industry players and policymakers is critical to success. The conference provided a favourable environment for sharing insights on higher blends use and B+ pioneers, discussing case studies and B+ equipment, and the necessary regulatory framework. Only through a fruitful dialogue can the future of the EU transport sector be effectively shaped, and the EU’s decarbonisation goals be achieved. Two MEPs from the largest European political families, Carlos Zorrinho (S&D) and Maria da Graça Carvalho (EPP), were among the key speakers at the conference, emphasizing the critical role that European policymakers play in supporting the industry’s growth, crafting effective legislation, and ensuring the respect for technology neutrality.

Fourth, the B+ Manifesto sets out a clear roadmap for the industry’s future. Co-signed by more than 50 organizations, the B+ Manifesto underlines the widespread support for the industry’s efforts. It outlines our industry’s policy asks, including calls for increased investment in renewable fuels, a level playing field for all alternative fuels, and support for higher biodiesel blends. The manifesto also highlights the importance of innovation and sustainability, urging policymakers to consider the industry’s recommendations when developing future policy at EU, as well as national level.

The B+ Manifesto is a significant step forward for the biodiesel industry, laying out a clear vision for the future and outlining the necessary steps to achieve it. By collaborating with policymakers and other industry players, the biodiesel industry can continue to grow and evolve, delivering critical GHG emissions savings and contributing to a more sustainable transport sector. The 1st B+ Summit is just the starting point of a longer discussion among industry players across Europe, and we look forward to participating in the industry’s progress in the coming years. READ MORE