on 17 January 2018, the EU Parliament adopted the position on the Commission's proposal for a decision of the EU Renewable Energy Directive, commonly referred to as RED II.
In the final vote, the EU Parliament adopted the amendments supported by IAYTA, proposing a multiplier of two for any biofuel supplied to the aviation sector.
What does this mean?
Any biofuel - as defined under the Directive - supplied to aviation will be counted twice towards meeting the EU target set for renewable energy in transport. As a matter of fact, the major obstacles encountered for the deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) is the significant cost differential between fossil jet and sustainable advanced jet fuels.
We believe the multiplier of two is a strong signal sent to both the 28 member states and fuel suppliers, encouraging them to increase their support to SAFs in the European Union.
In addition, the EU Parliament recognizes the importance of advanced biofuels for reducing emissions, and incentivise fuel suppliers to meet the proposed targets. For further general background, read the EP press release.
From IATA perspective, this is an important step in the negotiations where the need to support SAF supply in Europe is recognized for the first time in the EU context. In the coming weeks, tripartite negotiations will start between the EU Parliament, the EU Council and the EU Commission. IATA will continue to advocate for higher incentives for Sustainable Aviation Fuels in the upcoming EU legislation, which will be applicable as of 2021.
