Johannes Joslowski, responsible for New Energy at Agravis Raiffeisen AG in Münster:
“Biogenic fuels like CNG and LNG from biomethane or HVO are currently the best alternative to fossil energy sources for freight transport.”
The portfolio of the agricultural cooperative includes, among other things, gas stations. Therefore, as a so-called "supplier" of fossil fuels under the greenhouse gas reduction quota (GHG quota), the company is obliged to reduce the CO2 emissions of
its own products. To achieve climate targets, openness to technology in the transport sector is necessary, Joslowski demands:
"This is because the sole focus on electricity and hydrogen is technologically unfeasible for the next decade.”
No toll exemption for biogenic fuels
Therefore, the EU must reconsider its zero-emission strategy, which exclusively focuses on electric and hydrogen vehicles, Joslowski further states. Unfortunately, the EU Commission's recent legislative proposal for toll exemption for trucks
falls short.
According to the Brussels authority, only electric or hydrogen trucks should continue to benefit from this until 2031. Biogenic fuels, however, are excluded. Yet, according to Joslowski, the drive technologies with bio-LNG or bio-CNG in the heavy-duty sector have been proven and matured for years.
On the other hand, a toll exemption or targeted investment subsidies analogous to electric and hydrogen vehicles could promote the market ramp-up for gas vehicles
and contribute to the fuel transition, according to the energy expert.
Securing the market for alternative fuels
In addition, the GHG quota price must be stabilized, and the market for alternative fuels secured. Moreover, according to Joslowski, Agravis advocates for abolishing the multiple crediting for advanced fuels, significantly increasing the GHG reduction obligation, and extending it until 2040. This is also stated in the current draft bill of the federal government, Joslowski
