This page serves as part of the EU biofuel policy tracker, focusing on the implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the Fuel Quality Directive (FQD) in Germany. It provides a detailed overview of how Germany is aligning with EU directives to promote the use of renewable energy sources in transportation, emphasizing biofuels’ role and sustainability requirements.
Overview of the EU Directives
Renewable Energy Directive (RED)
The RED mandates that EU Member States ensure that at least 10% of their land transport energy comes from renewable sources by 2020. This directive is primarily expected to be achieved through biofuels, incorporating sustainability criteria to ensure biofuels used are less carbon-intensive and do not come from land with high biodiversity or carbon stocks.
Fuel Quality Directive (FQD)
The FQD sets a target for the EU to reduce the carbon intensity of transport fuels by 6% by 2020, compared to a 2010 baseline. This reduction is anticipated to be largely met through the use of biofuels, alongside contributions from electric vehicles and other low-carbon technologies.
Germany Overview
Germany meets its RED and FQD obligations through two main measures: the Biofuels Quota Act (BioKraftQug) and the Biofuels Sustainability Ordinance (BioKraft-NachV).
Biofuels Quota Act
- Type of Policy: Energy content mandate
- Implementing Authority: Customs Administration of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Year Introduced: 2007
- Status: Active, with a transition to a carbon reduction scheme planned from 2015
- Targets: Mandates a 6.25% biofuel blend in road transport fuels by energy content from 2011-2014, with specific sub-targets for gasoline and diesel. From 2015, targets shift to a GHG reduction quota.
Biofuels Sustainability Ordinance
- Type of Policy: Sustainability requirement
- Implementing Authority: Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung (BLE; Federal Institute for Agriculture and Nutrition)
- Year Introduced: 2011
- Status: Active
- Sustainability Criteria: Biofuels must be at least 35% less carbon intensive than petroleum in 2011, increasing to 50% in 2017, and 60% in 2018.
Sustainability and Compliance
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Suppliers must report GHG emissions from biofuel production and supply.
- Mandatory Environmental Criteria: Biofuels must adhere to sustainability criteria on land types and carbon intensity.
- Verification System: Biofuel suppliers need certification against a BLE authorized scheme.
- Double Reward: Cellulosic biofuels and fuels from wastes and residues are eligible for double rewards under the RED/FQD.
Eligible Feedstocks
Feedstocks include a wide range of biomass sources, including wood, agricultural crops, by-products, and the biodegradable fraction of municipal waste.
Credit Trading and Aviation/Shipping
Details on credit trading are to be further clarified, and currently, aviation and shipping sectors are not included under these mandates.
References
- National Renewable Energy Action Plan, Federal Republic of Germany, 2010.
- Various legal documents establishing the Biofuels Quota Act and the Biofuels Sustainability Ordinance.
This concise overview captures the key elements of Germany’s implementation of the EU’s RED and FQD, showcasing the nation’s commitment to sustainable biofuel usage and carbon intensity reduction in transportation fuels.