GAIN report on biofuels in the EU 2012

EU Member States (MS) are mandated to reach a minimum of 10 percent for renewable energy consumed in transport in 2020. In 2011, about a fifth of the domestic use of biofuels was imported from outside the EU. Despite a reclassification of bioethanol blends to a higher tariff rate, 2012 and 2013 imports from the United States are anticipated to remain at the same levels as last year, around 1 billion liters. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2012 and in 2013, overall EU imports of biodiesel are expected to decrease as a result of enforcement of the Spanish quota system, which only accepts biodiesel produced in the EU. The European Commission (EC) expects heat and power production from biomass to play an important role in meeting the 20 percent target for renewable energy use by 2020 and in the future reduction of CO₂ emissions in Europe. A major part of the biomass used is forecast to be forestry products. In 2011, U.S. wood pellets exports to the EU passed the 1 MMT.