The European Union has determined that the use of food crops for biofuels should not exceed 7%. From 2021, Member States must introduce a cap equal to the amount of food crop biofuels placed on the market in that Member State in 2020, provided this is less than 7%. Member States where less or nothing has been marketed may set the maximum at 2%.
RED
All this is regulated in the European Directive for Renewable Energy (RED). This stipulates that at least 10% of the energy in the transport sector must come from a renewable source, for example from biomass. By 2030, that share should have increased to 14%. It is technically possible to drive on 100% biofuels. But currently, biofuels are mixed with fossil fuels. That is called admixture.
Palm oil
The European Commission has investigated which raw materials the global growth (not only through biofuels) leads to a change in land use (eg deforestation). The Commission concludes that this is currently only the case for palm oil, which carries a high risk of indirect land use change.
The use of raw materials with a high risk of indirect land use change should not grow compared to the admixture in 2019. Between 2023 and 2030, their use should even be completely phased out. After 2030, only raw materials may be used that have been shown not to lead to indirect land use change.
From 2021 onwards, the use of palm oil-based biofuels should not exceed the amount placed on the market in each Member State in 2019. After 2023, palm oil, which has a high risk of expanding agricultural areas in a completely different place in the world agricultural system, must be phased out. Palm oil that has been shown to have a low risk of indirect land use may be sold as part of the share of food crops.
