National System of sustainability certification for Biofuels

Source: JOIN IEA/IRENA Policy and Measures Database
Last updated: 5 March 2013

The verification of compliance with the sustainability criteria for biofuels and bioliquids of art. 18 Directive 2009/28/EC implemented by Decree 28/2011 has been transposed by means of Legislative Decree No. 55 of 2011 which also implements Directive 30/2009/EC. Decree 55/2011 establishes that economical operator have to comply with a National System of sustainability certification. For the purposes of recognition of the increased energy contribution for biofuel provided under the support schemes for the use of RES in transport, traders shall provide information that contributes to demonstrate the compliance with the sustainability criteria. The application of the criteria ignores the fact that the raw material has been grown in or outside the EU. Biofuels must ensure through their use the saving of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by at least 35%. In the case of biofuels produced by installations already in operation on January 23, 2008, that value will apply from 1 April 2013. From 1 January 2017, the saving of GHG emissions must be at least 50%. From 1 January 2018 that savings must be equal to at least 60% for biofuels produced in plants started production on 1 January 2017 or later. If biofuels are produced from agricultural raw materials cultivated in the Community, they must be obtained in accordance with the requirements and standards laid down in Regulation (EC) No 73/2009.