New Auto-Fuel biofuel roadmap - biofuels play essential
role in decarbonising EU transport beyond 2020
Press release 26 November 2013 – Brussels
A new report from sustainable energy consultancy E4tech, commissioned by a group of international vehicle
and fuel companies, has outlined the first harmonised Auto-Fuel Biofuels Roadmap for the EU to 2030. With
future energy scenarios showing liquid fuels remaining important to the long-term energy mix, biofuels and
vehicle efficiency will be essential if the European transport sector is to cut greenhouse gas emissions and
meet its decarbonisation targets.
The proposed Roadmap examines in detail what the fuels industry could achieve in terms of sustainable
biofuels supply (including advanced biofuels) and how this could be integrated into the vehicle fleet by 2030.
The Roadmap also highlights that advanced biofuels could grow to at least 20% of the biofuels market in
Europe in 2030 if the right policy framework is put in place.
A range of biofuels could deliver:

At least 8% of the EU’s 2020 10% Renewable Fuels target.

4% of GHG emissions savings required to meet the 6% Fuel Quality Directive target in 2020.

12-15% of energy to the transport sector by 2030, representing overall greenhouse gas emission
savings of around 8%.

Advanced biofuels, which could grow to at least 20% of the biofuels market in Europe in 2030 if the
right policy incentives are put in place.
Matthew Tipper, Vice President Alternative Energies at Shell, said: “Shell believes this report accurately
demonstrates the opportunities and challenges for biofuels in helping Europe decarbonise its transport sector.
However, there is still not a policy framework in place to drive biofuels investments in the EU beyond 2020.
While we support the European Commission’s push towards advanced biofuels, it is critical that Europe
develops a framework within its 2030 climate and energy proposals that provides a level of incentives which
stimulate the necessary investments in this important endeavour.”
Lack of clear 2030 roadmap holding back investment
At present there is no 2030 policy for biofuels in Europe, which is holding back investments, including in
advanced biofuels. Furthermore, the lack of coherence between vehicle and fuel regulations and in the
implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive could lead to a fragmented approach across the EU
resulting in higher costs and confusion for drivers.
The report calls for the development of a sustainable biofuel-vehicle roadmap to 2030 based on sound
evidence and a joint Auto-Fuel vision. In turn this would help the future development of mutually-compatible
vehicle-fuel technologies to decarbonise the European transport sector on a grand scale.
Prof Dr-Ing Wolfgang Steiger, Director Future Technologies at the Volkswagen Group, said: “It’s clear that
future transport must fulfil customer demands as well as sustainability criteria. For maximum efficiencies in this
sector, powertrains and used energy should be developed in parallel. To achieve this, we need harmonised
standards and qualities under a reliable regulatory framework. The Auto-Fuel biofuel roadmap sets out
pathways for Europe to reach its ambitious targets beyond 2020. This is an approach we in the consortium
fully support.”
Encouraging the use of advanced biofuels
In order to meet emissions reduction targets, European industry requires a policy framework that encourages
sophisticated technology and higher quality fuels. Advanced biofuels have a major role to play - particularly
drop in fuels - which improve the quality of fuels, better integrate them into the vehicle fleet and decrease tailpipe and CO2 emissions. Specific proposals to encourage advanced biofuels could include a funding
programme building on the European Industrial Bioenergy Initiative and a public outreach programme to
ensure consumers have timely, full and accurate information on the benefits of advanced biofuels.
Speaking ahead of the launch event in Brussels, Dr. Ausilio Bauen, Director of E4tech and author of the report
said:
“There is a clear lack of understanding of what biofuels could accomplish in European road transport towards
2030. For the first time we have analysed in detail what can be achieved in terms of sustainable biofuels
supply – and critically, how this can be integrated affordably and smoothly into the vehicle fleet. On this basis
we have set out a vision and roadmap of how the auto and fuel industries can jointly achieve a 15% energy
contribution from biofuels by 2030. This will now require broader stakeholder and policy buy-in.”
- ENDS –
Information for Editors
About E4tech
E4tech is a globally operating strategic consultancy focused on sustainable energy with offices in London and
Lausanne. Since 1997 they have helped industry, government, investors, and others understand the global
opportunities and challenges of clean energy.
About the Auto-Fuel Coalition.
The Auto-Fuel Coalition is comprised of Daimler, Honda, Neste Oil, OMV, Shell and Volkswagen.
For online information and to download the full roadmap, visit: http://www.e4tech.com/auto-fuel.html (download
links active from 16:30 GMT 26 November)
Follow the conversation on Twitter using hashtag #autofuel2030
For media enquiries contact: William Parker-Jenkins, Weber Shandwick
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