Brussels, 31/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - The heated debate at the College of Commissioners on the reduction of CO2 emissions by private cars came to a head on 31 January when the Commission presented its revised draft directive on fuel quality (EUROPE 9349). This is part of the same legislative package for an enhanced air pollution reduction strategy aimed at cars, protection of public health, and the fight against climate change.
The draft directive aims to amend and update the 1998 directive (98/70/EC) on the quality of petrol and diesel fuels. It aims to make fuels cleaner and facilitate the transition to less polluting vehicles and equipment. It therefore hopes to encourage the development of low carbon fuels and second generation biofuels, as well as reduce the level of sulphur in fuels and greenhouse gas emissions they generate through the life-cycle.
In a press release, Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas declared, “This is one of the most important measures in the series of new initiatives that the Commission needs to take in order to step up the fight against global climate change. It is a concrete test of our political commitment to leadership on climate policy and our capacity to translate political priorities into concrete measures. It will further underpin Europe's shift towards the low-carbon economy that is essential if we are to prevent climate change from reaching dangerous proportions. These proposals will also help achieve a significant reduction in the noxious pollutants from transport that can harm our citizens' health, as well as opening the way for a major expansion in the use of biofuels, especially second generation biofuels."
The main measures proposed are as follows:
As from 1 January 2009, all diesel fuel marketed will have to have an ultra-low sulphur content, no more than 10 parts per million, (10 ppm as opposed to the current 50 ppm.) This will cut pollutant emissions, primarily dust particles ('particulate matter'), therefore greatly benefiting human health. It will also facilitate the introduction of new pollution-control equipment such as particle filters on diesel vehicles.
From the same date, the maximum permitted content of poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), will be reduced by one-third.
Fuel suppliers will also be obliged to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that their fuels cause over their life-cycle, ie when they are refined, transported and used. From 2011, suppliers will have to reduce emissions per unit of energy by 1% a year from 2010 levels. This will result in a binding 10% cut by 2020. 500 million tonnes of carbon are expected to be saved by 2020.
To enable a higher volume of biofuels to be used in petrol, a separate petrol blend will be established with a higher permitted content of oxygen-containing additives (so-called oxygenates), including up to 10% ethanol. The different petrol blends will be clearly marked to avoid fuelling vehicles with incompatible fuel. To compensate for an increase in emissions of polluting vapours that will result from greater use of ethanol, the Commission will put forward a proposal for the mandatory introduction of vapour recovery equipment at filling stations later this year. The permitted sulphur content of gasoil for use by non-road machinery and inland waterway barges will also be substantially cut.
Reducing car CO2 emissions not to happen before 7 February
In his announcement of the agreement on this proposal, Johannes Laitenberger, Commission spokesperson explained to the press that the College would be reaching a decision on its strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from private cars (next week on 7 February). Laitenberger refused to comment on German Chancellor Angela Merkel's declarations opposing the setting out of a value limit applicable up to 2012 for the whole car industry. The spokesman would only emphasise the fact that there was now a, “broad consensus on targets to reach and what methods to use”. (an)