The European Parliament Committee on Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety (ENVI) took a significant step on October 24th by voting on its Report on the Revision of Regulation EU 2019/1242. This regulation is aimed at establishing CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles, a critical aspect of Europe's effort to combat climate change.
However, the position of the ENVI Committee has stirred a debate as it does not include a mechanism or definition to account for the contribution of renewable fuels, such as biomethane, in the transport sector's decarbonization efforts.
The European Biogas Association (EBA) has emphasized the need for a legislative framework that encourages the consideration of cleaner fuel alternatives to fossil fuels by transport operators and vehicle manufacturers. According to the EBA, sustainable biomethane as a transport fuel offers several advantages. It is readily available, locally sourced, and cost-competitive, providing a renewable alternative to conventional transport fuels. Moreover, it plays a pivotal role in the transition toward a climate-neutral economy and is even capable of achieving negative emissions, aligning with the EU's climate neutrality targets.
Giulia Laura Cancian, Secretary General of the European Biogas Association, expressed disappointment with the ENVI Committee's decision not to acknowledge the contribution of renewable fuels like biomethane in the decarbonization of the transport sector. This stance raises concerns about potential delays in the sector's green transition.
The debate over the recognition and inclusion of renewable fuels, particularly biomethane, in emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles highlights the ongoing discussions about the role of alternative, environmentally friendly energy sources in the European Union's efforts to combat climate change.
