Bundeskabinett: New strategy for biofuels in climate protection

urgency of a national strategy for renewable fuels: a wake -up call for climate protection

Berlin becomes a setting for intensive discussions about the reform of the traffic sector in relation to climate protection. The latest evaluation report on the greenhouse gas reduction rate (THG quota) has put the need for a national strategy for renewable fuels. This report, which was decided by the Federal Cabinet and presented to the Bundestag for further discussion, emphasizes the decisive role of sustainable biofuels and alternative fuels.

The Federal Association of German Bioethanol Economics (BDBE) unequivocally emphasize the urgency to expand the use of renewable energies in the transport sector. "Climate protection in traffic can only be achieved if we determine the sector determined," says Alois Gerig, chairman of the BDBE. However, the Federal Government's current plans, which aim to electrify the private car population in particular, are criticized. The claim of a target of 15 million battery-operated cars will raise questions by 2030, especially if 45 million gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles are ignored.

The importance of a timely increase in the THG quota should not be underestimated. Gerig warns that the gap between the climate protection goals and the actual development in the traffic sector will continue to grow without clear and realistic planning. The BDBE therefore calls the Federal Government more specific proposals and measures to integrate sustainable fuels more quickly and to implement the legal requirements efficiently.

A particularly critical point is the delay in fulfilling the statutory reporting obligations, which are determined according to § 37c of the Federal Immission Protection Act. According to Gerig, these delays hinder the necessary debates about the upcoming implementations of the European Renewable Energy Guide (Red III). In particular, the upcoming increase in the THG quota to at least 10.7 percent from 2025, which is due to the increasing use of electric vehicles, could be at risk without timely measures.

In view of these developments, it is crucial that the federal government retires its priorities and creates space for efficient and environmentally friendly mobility. Local communities and the entire traffic sector could benefit significantly from such a strategy by not only contributing to achieving climate goals, but also significantly to improve air quality and promote innovations in the field of renewable energies.