EcoCeres touts ideas to fight biofuels fraud

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News Methanol & e-fuels

Renewable fuel producer EcoCeres is releasing a paper tomorrow (16 July) which will outline fraud-resistant certification protocols for sustainable biofuels in the EU.

The proposals underscore the importance of implementing verification mechanisms that are transparent, and fostering trust among consumers and industry stakeholders.

The list includes:

  • fair and uniform rules applicable to both EU and non-EU producers or operators and all feedstock types
  • Cautions against overly burdensome controls that could disrupt supply, especially for limited supply products like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
  • Advocating for practical, transparent and recognised verification processes with stakeholder input and balanced roles for certification bodies and member states
  • Reforms to improve the EU Biofuels Database (UDB) for better traceability

Matti Lievonen, CEO of EcoCeres – which recently signed a multi-year SAF agreement with British Airways – argued that a credible verification system was fundamental to realising the EU’s ambitious climate and sustainability goals.

“As a producer committed to authentic waste-to-fuel pathways, we view rigorous certification not as a hurdle but as essential infrastructure for the renewable fuels market,” he said.

“Our position paper reflects our dedication to fostering a transparent, equitable, and fraud-resistant ecosystem for biofuels that benefits all stakeholders – from producers and policy makers to consumers and the environment.”

The main challenges to SAF certification and widespread adoption include high production costs, limited feedstock availability and sustainability concerns, complex and evolving regulatory frameworks and certification processes, and the need for significant infrastructure development and investment.

The UK Department of Transport issued SAF Mandate: Compliance Guidance in January.

Data on the sustainability of fuel supplied must be verified by an approved third-party verifier before certificates will be issued.

SAF Certificates from a given year can be carried forward to meet up to 25% of a supplier’s obligation in the following year but they cannot change categories.

Failing to open an account can result in penalties of £100,000 or 10% of annual turnover, whichever is less.