Use of renewable energy for transport, 2005-2012

Legally bound share renewable energy for transport

In Dutch legislation it is established that a part of the total use of petrol and diesel for transport should be renewable energy. This obligation share increased form 2% in 2007 to 4.5% in 2012. In 2013 the share should increase to 5%, to 5.5% in 2014 (IenM, 2011) and to 6.25% in 2015 (IenM, 2013).
According the EU Guideline Renewable Energy member states are obliged to a share of 20% of renewable energy for transport in 2020, which corresponds with 10% of the total use of fuels en electricity for transport.

Achieved share renewable energy

Due to differences in definitions the achieved share of renewable energy for transport according the EU Guideline does not run parallel with the national obligation (CBS, 2013a) In 2012 the achieved share renewable energy amounts to 5%.

Biofuels

Since 2007, suppliers of engine fuels for road traffic vehicles are legally bound to supply these fuels with a certain percentage of biofuel. In practise, these are usually biofuel blended (mixed) with normal petrol and diesel. This obligation is therefore often referred to as a 'blending obligation'.
When calculating the share of renewable energy environmental fair biofuels are allowed be counted double. By now the double biofuels are very important. In 2012 70% of the biofules were double counted, especially biodiesel form frying fat.

Sustainability of biofuels

There has been much public and political discussion in recent years about the desirability of using biofuels in road traffic vehicles. As a result of these discussions the EU Guideline contains sustainability criteria which imply reduction of the emissions of greenhouse gases, reduce damage to nature and respect social rights.