Commission proposes biomass and biofuels action plan

Publication date: 07 December 2005

Today, the European Commission has adopted a detailed action plan designed to increase the use of energy from forestry, agriculture and waste materials. One of the objectives is to cut greenhouse gas emissions and extend the EU’s technological know-how in energy efficient technologies. The Commission forecasts that these actions will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 0.2 billion t CO2-equivalent per year and reduce reliance on imported energy from 48% to 42%. The Plan outlines measures in three sectors: heating, electricity and transport.

The measures in favour of transport biofuels are also a response to increasing oil prices. The actions include promotion of biofuels obligations, through which suppliers include a minimum proportion of biofuels in the conventional fuel they place on the market. It also supports the “integrated approach” already highlighted in the CARS 21 discussion, meaning that measures such as the use of biofuels, fiscal incentives, consumer information & education and congestion avoidance are being considered. Please find the single measures proposed by the Commission listed in annex 1 on page 17 of the action plan.

In 2006, the Commission will bring forward a report in view of a possible revision of the biofuels Directive from 2003. This report will examine the implementation of the Directive in Member States. The EU market share is currently 0.8% which leaves little chance to achieve by 2010 the target of 5.75% that was set in 2003 (see report in TMWG document of May 2005).

For more information:
- Communication from the Commission "Biomass Action Plan" (COM(2005) 628 final)
- Impact Assessment
- Memo: How to support renewable electricity in Europe?
- Results of the Public Consultation on the Biomass Action Plan

com2005_628_biomass.pdf (266 KB)

sec2005_1573_biomass.pdf (374 KB)

memo_biomass.pdf (515 KB)

results_consultation_biomass.pdf (646 KB)