A role for renewable fuels: European ethanol producers reply to EU public consultation on Revision of CO₂ emission standards for cars and vans

ePURE has submitted its reply to the EU public consultation on the CO₂ emissions standards for cars and vans regulation.

ePURE – the European Renewable Ethanol Association represents bioethanol producers from crops, wastes and residues committed to sustainable transition towards zero-emission mobility. Our 20 producing members operate about 50 state-of-the-art biorefineries across the EU and the UK, transforming primary agricultural biomass into renewable ethanol, high-protein animal feed, food, and other valuable co-products including biogenic CO2. The EU bioethanol industry contributes every day to EU’s economic well-being, climate objectives, foster energy independence, mobility transition and food security by reducing dependence to proteins imports and offering much-needed additional outlet to EU farmers hence enhancing the resilience of the agri-food systems. This locally produced renewable energy must continue to play a role in defossilizing our economy as several non-EU countries have been doing notably Brazil, the USA but also India inter alia.

In the light of the CO₂ emission performance standards for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles regulation, renewable ethanol – which is a recognised and certified sustainable renewable fuel alternative to oil – must be considered as a CO₂ neutral emission fuel which has its place to accelerate greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reduction in transport. Renewable ethanol is produced in the EU and fosters economic and social development, particularly in rural areas. Also important, EU renewable ethanol is economically viable, affordable, already available at large scale, and can be used in existing cars and fleets, be it internal combustion engine or hybrids. By offering an alternative renewable fuel for existing ICEs and hybrids, bioethanol allows all EU citizens, including those with less purchasing power, to be actively part of the climate strategy while ensuring their mobility by offering them choices.

Our reply to the public consulltation is structured around six priorities:

1. The CO₂ for cars and vans review should respect technology neutrality and recognise all alternatives based on GHG emission reduction
2. The use of sustainable renewable fuel complements the electrification of road transport
3. Defining CO₂ neutral fuels in a robust and comprehensive framework
4. Incorporating a Life-Cycle Analysis and a Carbon Correction Factor in the CO₂ emission standards review
5. Create a Low Emission Vehicles class recognition for vehicles running exclusively on CO₂ neutral fuels
6. Ensure EU competitiveness, consumer choice, energy security and reduce crude oil imports

Read the full reply here.