Policy initiative schemes and benefits of biofuel promotion in Germany - Current status of legislation and production

Aug 2004

This presentation was delivered by Mr. Bockey on the occasion of the “Conference on biofuels. Challenges for Asian future”, that took place in the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok, on 30 and 31 August 2004.
In its first chapter, the author describes the current status of biodiesel production in the European Union as political measures with the fundamental objective of stepwise achieving full utilization of renewable energy sources. He explains that with these policies, the EU is pursuing a strategy directed towards utilizing renewable energy for four main goals: combating climate change, reducing local environmental loads, creating jobs and income in an EU increasing to 25 member countries, and contributing towards a secure supply of energy.
In light of the EU bioenergy timeline, he argues that it should not be overlooked that the EU bioenergy goals were not approved without reservations by representatives of economical and political interests. Thus, it should be taken into account that each European country converts EU directives into national legislation in a different manner, reflecting its different priorities regarding energy and climate policy.
After setting this European overview, he analyses the German case study, in particular,  showing that technical problems concerning the commercialization of biodiesel and other biofuels (ethanol and sundiesel) can only be solved if existing German economical and political conditions are considered.

By: D. Bockey. (Union for promoting oilseed and protein plants)

 
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