EU prepares to limit production of crop-based biofuels – want to know more? A leaked draft law suggests fuels from wheat or rapeseed could only make up 5% of transport energy consumption from 2020. According to the documents the EU is set to limit the use of crop-based biofuels following concerns the technology is not as effective at cutting emissions as previously thought and may conflict with food production. Draft rules would permit fuels made from plants such as rapeseed and wheat to make up only 5% of total energy consumption in the EU transport sector from 2020. Current levels stand at about 4.5%, meaning there would be little room for increased production in the coming years if the legislation is approved. The regulations also contain a pledge to end subsidies for crop-based biofuels after the current legislation expires in 2020. The move represents an abrupt change of direction for the EU and throws into doubt its much-criticised target to source 10% of road transport fuels from renewable sources by the end of the decade. Green campaigners have long cast doubt on the sustainability of this target, as well as the emissions savings from crop-based biofuels, consistently warning increased demand for energy crops can force up food prices and take over land that could be used for food production. Second-generation biofuels made from crop residues, waste, algae or woody material are being developed that address these sustainability concerns. But while the market is predicted to grow in the US on the back of legislative targets brought in by the Obama administration, there are no such goals in the EU and production is expected to remain at a low level until the end of the decade. However, the leaked draft reveals the EU is looking to increase the share of these advanced biofuels in its 10% target and may consider quadruple counting them in order to drive investment in second-generation fuels while ensuring the target is met. This clear focus on advanced biofuels, is reflected by the speakers and topics chosen for the upcoming Biofuels International Conference in Antwerp on 21-22 November. David Weaver, CEO of TMO Renewables, has firsthand experience of working in this field. His company has just made the first step in a future series of second generation biofuel production facilities in China. TMO has secured biomass feedstock supply for a planned bioethanol production plant in north-east China, a country which already limits the production of crop-based biofuels. Weaver will look at how the price of second generation biofuels can be brought down, and also at other international opportunities. Michele Rubino, COO, Beta Renewables will also be discussing second generation ethanol production, looking at the world's first commercial scale cellulosic ethanol plant. The company is building a 60,000 tonne plant in Crescentino, Italy, and expects the ethanol produced to be fully sold out as soon as it's ready. Other conference highlights include Ignaas Caryn, Director of Innovation and Corporate Venturing and Biofuels Strategy at KLM. The Dutch airline has just operated the longest biofuel flight, partly flying on biofuels made from used cooking oil. Using the same second generation feedstock Adam Baisley, Head of Business Development, Agri Energy will be speaking about its achievement this year to open the UK's largest dedicated used cooking oil (UCO) biodiesel plant. He will speak about how some second generation feedstocks count double towards meeting sustainability targets, and the challenges involved with securing a reliable, sustainable supply chain. For full details and to make use of the early bird discount before 21st September register at www.biofuels-news.com/conference. ![REGISTER NOW]() A limited number of table tops are available for companies to showcase their products and services to delegates. All table tops come with a FREE delegate ticket so it's great value at little cost. Contact Shemin@biofuels-news.com for more information on this or other sponsorship options or call
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