The European Commission published two Communications and a Decision today laying down the requirements for certification of biofuels and bioenergy from vegetable oils. Federal Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen welcomed this move: "The use of biomass is a central component of the expansion of renewable energies. In Europe we will only be able to reach our goals for expanding renewable energies by making greater use of biomass as an energy form. I therefore very much welcome the fact that Günther Oettinger, the Commissioner for Energy, presented criteria today for the sustainable use of biomass which will form a basis for Europe-wide harmonisation of certification", stated Minister Röttgen. A single certificate for the environmentally sound cultivation of energy crops will also further increase acceptance of the use of biomass. In 2009 Germany was the first member state to transpose the European sustainability requirements for biofuels and liquid biomass into German law.
In future, sustainability of the cultivation and manufacture of biofuels and vegetable oils will have to be proven with the aid of certification systems. Only then will it be possible to count them towards the biofuel quota and to support them under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). For example, cultivation of biomass for biofuels and vegetable oils that involves converting areas with high carbons stocks and a high level of biodiversity is not permitted. Protected areas include nature conservation areas, virgin forests, forests, wetlands and grasslands. Furthermore, proof is required that biofuels and vegetable oils deliver greenhouse gas savings of at least 35% in comparison with fossil fuels.
Germany is a pioneer in implementing sustainability certification. The Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) is responsible for approving certification systems. It has already provisionally approved two certification systems and eight offices for certification activities.