European Commission Approves Reintroduction of Lithuanian Biofuel Support Scheme

The European Commission has given its nod to the reintroduction of the Lithuanian biofuel support scheme, which aims to promote the production and use of biofuels in the country. The scheme, first introduced in 2009, has been a crucial tool for Lithuania to achieve its renewable energy targets, particularly in the transport sector. The commission has approved the reintroduction of the scheme until 2030, subject to some minor changes in eligibility conditions. Lithuania has set a target to have 15.8% of energy consumption in the transport sector come from renewable sources by 2030, which is enshrined in its National Energy and Climate Plan for 2021-2030.

Key Takeaways:

• The European Commission has approved the reintroduction of the Lithuanian biofuel support scheme until 2030, subject to minor changes in eligibility conditions.
• The scheme aims to promote the production and use of biofuels in Lithuania, particularly to achieve the country's renewable energy targets in the transport sector.
• Lithuania has set a target to have 15.8% of energy consumption in the transport sector come from renewable sources by 2030, enshrined in its National Energy and Climate Plan for 2021-2030.
• The reintroduction of the scheme will ensure a steady supply of biofuels, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and contribute to achieving the EU energy policies' national targets.
• The previous scheme, first introduced in 2009, has contributed to the increase in the quantity and share of biofuels in the final consumption of fuel in road transport.
• Lithuania considers that achieving the targets would become impossible without the support scheme to biofuel producers, and the production of biofuels would become a loss-making activity without it.

Statistics:

• Lithuania aims to have 15.8% of energy consumption in the transport sector come from renewable sources by 2030.
• The EU has set a climate protection target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
• The European Commission has approved the reintroduction of the scheme until 2030, subject to minor changes in eligibility conditions.
• The scheme aims to contribute to achieving the EU energy policies' national targets.

Sources:

• European Commission decision of 20 December 2021 in case SA.100766 (2021/N) (1), which approved the previous scheme.
• European Parliament and Council Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 of 30 June 2021 establishing the framework for achieving climate neutrality.
• Council Directive (EU) 2023/2413 of 18 October 2023 amending Directive (EU) 2018/2001, Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and Directive 98/70/EC as regards the promotion of energy from renewable sources.
• Resolution of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania No XI-2133 of 26 June 2012 'On the Approval of the National Energy Independence Strategy'.
• National Energy And Climate Action Plan For The Republic Of Lithuania 2021-2030.
• The Law on Alternative Fuels of the Republic of Lithuania.