The EU Parliament approves the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive. Missed the opportunity to include biomethane target

The revision of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) voted by the European Parliament on Wednesday 14 September is a key element of the ‘Fit for 55’ package to help the EU reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and strengthen energy security. 

Although the position voted by MEPs is a step in the right direction, refining the Commission’s proposal on many levels, according to the European Biogas Association (EBA), the Parliament missed an opportunity to improve and implement the relationship with the REPowerEu targets by omitting the binding target of 35 bcm of biomethane by 2030 contained in the European Plan. 

The legislation also defines sub-targets for emission-intensive sectors. The Parliament’s report, on the other hand, does not strengthen the Commission’s proposal on advanced biofuels (2.2% by 2030), while it focuses on renewable fuels of non-biological origin, such as hydrogen (5.7% by 2030).

Next steps – The Parliament and the Czech Council Presidency will start negotiations on legislative proposals that will represent an important opportunity to refine the Renewable Energy Directive.