On 31 October 2023, Directive (EU) 2023/2413 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 October 2023 was published, which amends Directive (EU) 2018/2001 as regards the promotion of energy from renewable sources and repeals Directive (EU) 2015/652.
RED III introduces a more ambitious target for the share of renewable energy in the EU’s overall energy consumption by 2030, as well as additional sectoral targets that are key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and switching to cleaner energy sources. While the previous EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) aimed to increase this share to at least 32%, RED III aims to achieve a level of at least 42.5% RES.
The RED II Directive, and then the RED III Directive that replaced it, defines the criteria for sustainable development and greenhouse gas emission limits for biofuels, bioliquids, biomass fuels and other designated fuels. The greenhouse gas emission limits are defined as the difference between the total greenhouse gas emissions in the life cycle of the fossil equivalent of the biocomponent and the total emissions of these gases in the life cycle of the biocomponent itself, expressed as a percentage of the total greenhouse gas emissions of the fossil equivalent. According to the Directive, in order for the raw material for fuel production or biofuel to be used to achieve the objectives specified in the Directive, it must meet the greenhouse gas emission reduction criteria. The final producer of biofuel is obliged to determine the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the life cycle of this product, starting from the acquisition of raw materials to the introduction of the biofuel to the market.
(a) Using the default value for greenhouse gas emission saving for the production pathway set out in Part A or B of Annex V for biofuels and bioliquids, and in Part A of Annex VI for biomass fuels. (b) Use of an actual value, calculated in accordance with the methodology described in Part C of Annex V in the case of biofuels and bioliquids and in Part B of Annex VI in the case of biomass fuels. (c) Using a value derived from the sum of the factors of the formula referred to in point 1 of part C of Annex V. In this case, disaggregated default values may be used for some life-cycle stages of the biofuel, whereas actual values, calculated in accordance with the methods described in part C of Annex V, shall be used for all other stages.
Additionally, a third way may be to use values based on verified scientific research. It is also permissible to use actual values collected in the form of surveys from farmers. It is worth noting, however, that the first collection point for agricultural biomass is obliged to ensure that the surveyed sample is representative.
Using actual values allows for a better understanding of the impact of different energy sources on the environment and for making more informed decisions towards sustainable development. An additional advantage of this method is that the calculated actual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at different stages of the fuel life cycle are usually lower than the standard emissions. This allows the final fuel producer to achieve a certain percentage of GHG emission reduction for the finished biofuel, and suppliers of raw materials with lower GHG emission values gain a competitive advantage.
As a company specializing in implementing management systems in accordance with the RED Directive in the field of GHG emission calculations, we offer:
Calculation of GHG emission calculators based on real data, according to the RED methodology for different stages of fuel production and biomass paths. After the cooperation is completed, the company receives a full GHG calculator, which will be verified by a certification body. Thanks to this, biomass/fuel can be introduced to the market with a specific emission value, and the GHG calculator can be used in the future by the company’s specialists.
Training in GHG emission calculations, which will enable employees to gain the necessary knowledge to act as specialists in this field.
Consulting on GHG calculations, including the use of default or actual values, analysis and explanation of biofuel production and supply chain requirements, data collection, calculator verification issues, post-audit non-compliance resolution, and substantive support during data collection and calculation of emissions from feedstock delivery.
The calculation of GHG emissions in accordance with the RED Directive is extremely important as it allows the assessment of the percentage of greenhouse gas emission reductions in the renewable energy sector.
The text was prepared by:
Daria Krylowa, Sustainable Sourcing Consultant Peterson Solutions
Ask about our GHG emission calculation offer
tel. 722 005 933
e-mail biuro@onepeterson.pl
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