Drastic change in EU transportation policy has created a new market for renewable and alternative energy. Biofuels, hydrogen and electricity are now certain to contribute to the future of transportation in Europe.  The mandatory 10% renewable and alternative input into all EU members means a wide market for biofuels.

Overall, the criteria are quite defined by the EU as it strives to keep farmers farming and calm international fears that using biofuels will lead to food shortages and inflation.

The sustainability criteria are as follow for all biofuels, regardless of origin: they must have guarantees of origin e-certificates, be a 35% saving on greenhouse gas emissions and if grown, done on low/non biodiverse land. There is also scope to disqualify biofuels based on gross labour violations involved in their growth.  

Two very interesting aspects of the directive is that there is a highly developed list of biofuels types, such as sunflower biodiesel and sugar cane ethanol, which makes grains and seeds quite lucrative.

Secondly, to promote ‘second-generation’ biofuels, they count as double credits towards the 10% national target for renewable transport consumption. This should aid with R+D costs and act as a de facto subsidy for the sector.

Innovation in what we drive is arguably the holy grail of our generation. ‘How to make the lithium battery last for long distances at high speeds?’ is the great conundrum.  Manufacturers race to supply giant consumer demand for green, efficient cars.

Transport is core to the European Future Energy Forum, which includes a unique Eco Transport Parade through the streets of Bilbao prior to the event to demonstrate a wide range of the latest developments in clean transport techology with leading and emerging manufacturers alike. Roundtable sessions and workshops will also examine all forms of alternative fuel production and investment.

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