Biofuels Are Vital to Decarbonising the EU’s Road Transport

European Union (EU), Finland, France, Germany, Opinions, Policy, Sustainability

June 16, 2016

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by Robert White (ePure/EurActiv) The Stone Age did not end because humans ran out of stones – it ended because we found better alternatives. The same must become of the Oil Age, if we are to fulfil our COP21 commitments, writes Robert Wright.

… Europe’s poor record when it comes to transport greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions means the Commission must present a clear set of policy measures to reduce transport’s carbon footprint. Road transport emissions now account for 25% of Europe’s total GHG emissions and will become its largest source of emissions if remedial action is not taken.

The core reason that road transport is such a problem is that 95% of energy demand for our vehicles is still met by fossil fuels. Mobility is crucial to the economy and to the daily lives of EU citizens, but with road traffic levels projected to increase by 30% by 2030, and with concerns growing over air pollution, cutting transport emissions must be a political priority.

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The Commission has estimated that to achieve this 40% reduction, will require the incorporation of 12-14% renewable energy sources in transport and a 12-20% reduction in transport emissions.

Reducing energy use in transport through vehicle, engine and fuel efficiency measures is crucial because the transport sector consumes over 30% of all energy used in Europe.

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Keeping oil in the ground is crucial to making the COP 21’s ambitions a reality.

In transport there is a range of low carbon alternatives available and all of them are potentially important. Low carbon fuels, such as ethanol, already displace 5% of oil use in our road transport.

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Today’s electric vehicles also remain largely dependent on fossil fuels for the power they use because Europe’s electricity grid is still heavily dependent on fossil fuel.

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In 2030 the vast majority of existing and future vehicles will still run on internal combustion engines, so it must be a climate priority to reduce emissions from these vehicles first and foremost.

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European ethanol is certified low carbon with an average over 63% GHG savings compared to the petrol it substitutes. READ MORE

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