Brussels, 30/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 26 March the European Commission sent Spain a reasoned opinion formally asking it to ensure the correct implementation of the renewable energy directive (2009/28/EC), in particular as regards biofuels.
The renewables directive includes key provisions for achieving the objective of a 20% share for renewable energy in final energy consumption and includes key provisions setting individual targets for the overall share of renewable energy in each member state's energy consumption. It sets a target of a 10% share for renewable energy in transport, which can be achieved through the use of biofuels but on condition that a range of sustainability requirements are satisfied;
The Commission believes that contrary to what is provided for in the Directive, Spanish law suspends the application of the sustainability criteria in Spain for the achievement of the transport sector target. In addition, Spanish law treats sustainable biofuels and raw materials of different geographical origins differently in an unjustified manner. The Commission has addressed similar problems in the context of infringement procedures against Poland and Portugal. (Emmanuel Hagry)