Background
The Working Group on Monitoring Methodologies (WGMM) has officially submitted its key report titled "Monitoring the Use of CO₂ Neutral Fuels in Road Transport – A Cross-Sectoral Industry Assessment" to the European Commission. The report explores 11 potential technological solutions for the exclusive use of CO₂ neutral fuels (CNFs) in new road vehicles and proposes innovative methods for sustainable tracking and verification of these fuels.
Current Regulations
- For cars and vans: A de-facto ban on internal combustion engines from 2035, with a 100% CO₂ reduction fleet average target measured at the tailpipe.
- For trucks and buses: A 90% CO₂ reduction fleet average target by 2040, allowing the use of hydrogen and CNFs.
Objectives of the Working Group
Since its formation in September 2023 in Stuttgart, the WGMM has developed monitoring methodologies to verify the use of CNFs in new vehicles. The group includes over 50 experts from the fuel and automotive industries, trade associations, and research institutions. Its mission is to provide practical and inclusive recommendations aligned with European climate goals.
Report Highlights
- Definition of CNFs: Covers renewable fuels (eFuels and biofuels) compliant with the sustainability criteria in the Renewable Energy Directive (RED).
- Technological Options:
- Digital tracking systems
- Chemical marking with physical identification in the supply chain
- Onboard vehicle detection
- Physical security mechanisms for fuel connections
- Mass balancing
Importance of the Report
The report offers the European Commission, Member States, and regulators a comprehensive and objective assessment of all identified monitoring options. The findings pave the way for a collaborative roadmap to support the energy transition in transport.
Quotes
- Alain Mathuren (FuelsEurope): “The grand coalition, representing the automotive and fuel value chains, demonstrates the industry's commitment to working with institutions to recognize CO₂ neutral fuels as enablers for new zero-emission vehicles.”
- Dáša Mamrillová (EWABA): “All sustainable renewable fuels under RED criteria must be included in the definition of CO₂ neutral fuels as they are CO₂ neutral at the tailpipe.”
- Daniel Kaddik (bft): “Customer-focused innovations, reliability, and ease of use are key success factors to avoid technological or regional restrictions on achieving climate goals.”
- Stefan Kunter (Elaflex): “We have openly and comprehensively analyzed technical options, presenting 11 solutions to safely and verifiably implement CO₂ neutral fuels in the EU.”
- Tobias Block (eFuel Alliance): “We developed pragmatic and technically feasible solutions. It is now up to the EU Commission to take the next steps by integrating these solutions into the early revision of CO₂ standards.”
Source: Working Group on Monitoring Methodologies, (WGMM)
