Developments in Energy for Transport
New laws and regulations have come into force on Januari 1st 2022, implementing the Renewable Energy Directive (RED2) and parts of the climate agreement. While some RED2-related matters demand further development in 2022, other advancements in Europe are on the move. Most recently, the EU’s Fit for 55 plan was presented, and a revision of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED3) is underway. On this page you will be informed on the most recent developments.
Finalizing the implementation of RED2
RED2-related matters are on the agenda for further development in 2022. For instance, we are waiting for certain moves to be made by the European Commission. Another matter is use of the so-called ‘refinery route’ for hydrogen, developed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, for a possible revision of the Renewable Energy Directive and renewable energy regulation. In keeping with the commitment of the State Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, use of food- and feed-crops are under examination. This will reveal whether 2020 was representative when compared to use in 2021.
Reduction obligation inland shipping
December 2021 the ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management announced the reduction obligation - introduced earlier for fuel suppliers to inland shipping - will only come into starting 2023. The ministry considers the risk of bunker tourism too high, as Belgium and Germany have no such obligations. This means diesel suppliers to inland shipping have no reduction obligation in 2022, but will come into effect in 2023. The ministry will use the time until then to create a level playing field with Belgium and Germany.
Fit for 55 and RED3 prospects
The EU has made an agreement for climate neutrality by the year 2050, as part of the European Green Deal and European Climate Agreement. Greenhouse gas emissions will therefore have to be significantly reduced in the coming years. As a step towards an emission free society, the EU has increased her ambitions for 2030: emissions must be reduced at least 55% by 2030. Using the “Fit for 55” package, the EU adjusts her climate, energy and transport legislating to these ambitions for 2030 and 2050.
In order to achieve the aims set out in the Green Deal, Europe is working on a new revision of the Renewable Energy Directive: RED3. The 2030 ambitions for renewable energy in transport will have to increase. In Europe, sector-specific legal proposals were made for aviation and marine shipping: the ReFuelEU Aviation and FuelEU Maritime decrees. Despite the advancements made in the past few years, these sectors are still almost entirely dependent on fossil fuels. The goal of these decrees is to significantly reduce the emissions in aviation and maritime shipping.
The NEa keeps a close eye on the negotiations, and prepares for the coming implementation together with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. The RED3 must be integrated into national law by December 31st 2024 so implementation can start in 2025.