Biofuels only count towards meeting the Energy for Transport obligations if they are sustainable. The sustainability criteria have been developed at the European level into the Renewable Energy Directive.
Please note: the information available on this page is only relevant for 2018-2021.
In the Netherlands, demonstrating the sustainability of biofuels can only take place using voluntary schemes recognised by the European Commission. These voluntary schemes are required to demonstrate that the criteria listed below have been met.
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
Companies have an obligation to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases from the fuels that they deliver in relation to emissions of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels. This reduction is calculated across the entire chain from the cultivation of the feedstocks up to the moment that the fuel ends up in the tank. This reduction must be at least 50%.
There is a minimum requirement of 60% for installations that have become operational on or after 5 October 2015.
Land use requirements
Biofuels must meet certain land use requirements. The cultivation of the feedstocks, for example, may not affect the carbon sinks in the soil (such as in woodlands or peatlands). In addition, areas with a high biodiversity value are subject to special protection. These land use requirements do not apply to waste materials and residues that are not derived from agriculture, aquaculture, fishing or forestry, such as process waste and process residues.
Audit requirements
The entire biofuels production chain must be reliable and transparent, which is how compliance with the sustainability criteria is ensured. In addition, requirements are in place for the independent auditing that takes place at the companies.
Traceability requirements
All companies in the production chain for biofuels must apply the mass balance system for their site(s) and location(s) in their records, to allow the characteristics and amounts of biofuels to be recorded in a correct manner. This approach aims at ensuring the traceability of goods and data throughout the entire production chain (chain of custody) as well as safeguarding that biofuels actually find their way to the market.