The third Clean Mobility Package, published in May, puts forward the first ever CO₂ emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles. As such, it was welcomed by NGVA Europe, but under the premise that it must support a technology-neutral pathway towards the final objective. In this context, even considering the challenging reduction targets, NGVA Europe appreciates the outcome of the negotiations where, for the first time in the European mobility legislation, a methodology looking to the contribution to CO₂ emissions saving from renewable fuels for the final reduction targets will be developed.

This represents a crucial driver for the use of renewable gas (from biomethane to synthetic methane) in the transport sector. The methodology should be able to bridge CO₂ savings from the production of the fuel with those emitted at the consumption, and, with this, closing the emissions balance circle at well-to-wheel level.

This is a clear and positive message for both vehicle manufacturers and biofuels producers. The electrification of freight transportation is not expected to scale up quickly: therefore, such a provision will enable truck makers to provide the market with a complementary, affordable solution, while contributing to the ambitious targets, and planning investments accordingly.

Today, the use of natural gas can offer a CO₂ reduction of up to 20.4%^[1] for long-haul trucks. This proves that natural gas technology is one of the best already available solution to meet environmental challenges ahead. The recognition of CO₂ savings from renewables will guarantee that this technology will play a central role to achieve the higher decarbonisation ambitions towards 2030.

Once developed, the methodology can represent a starting point and create positive spill-over effects also for other vehicle segments and transportation modes, as it would be applicable to many sorts of bio and synthetic fuels.

Secretary General Andrea Gerini stated: “The agreement reached on the development of such a methodology in the review clause is an important step to start moving towards a more comprehensive approach towards climate change, where technologies and fuels must contribute together. This will also help in creating a real market demand for renewables in Europe. NGVA Europe and its Members are ready to contribute their expertise and to collaborate with the EU Commission to this important process.”

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[1] Thinkstep (2017) study on the ‘Greenhouse Gas Intensity of Natural Gas’ http://ngvemissionsstudy.eu

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