EU renewable ethanol industry reacts to the European Commission’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy

BRUSSELS, 9 December 2020 – The European Commission unveiled its new Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy today, calling for a major transformation of the entire transport sector in order to reduce emissions.

Speaking on behalf of the EU renewable ethanol industry, Emmanuel Desplechin, Secretary-General of ePURE, issued the following statement:

“You have to read a bit between the lines but the Commission’s strategy still signals that sustainable low-carbon fuels must play a vital role in Europe’s road transport mix, and that the EU should encourage their swift and large-scale deployment. Renewable EU ethanol – from sustainably grown crops, waste and residues – has proven year after year it is sustainable and low-carbon, significantly reducing emissions compared to fossil petrol, over 72% on average.”

“While the focus may be on the growing importance of electric vehicles, the Commission’s strategy confirms that battery EVs will represent 11-14% of the EU vehicle fleet in 2030. Even a decade from now, a large majority of cars on the road will still run on liquid fuel, and renewable ethanol is among the best solutions for reducing their greenhouse-gas emissions.”

“We believe the EU renewable ethanol industry should be included in the Commission’s proposed Low Carbon Fuels Value Chain – which should cover road transport in addition to aviation and maritime. We look forward in the coming months to working with policymakers and stakeholders to help make the Green Deal real by ensuring that EU renewable energy, fuel quality, energy taxation and trade policy are better aligned to promote cost-effective and practical carbon-abatement solutions that can make an impact in the short-, medium- and long-term.”