EWABA has backed the European Commission’s proposed revision of the EU Emissions Trading System, saying it is a positive step towards the EU’s 2040 climate goals while supporting competitiveness and energy security. 

The association welcomed stronger backing for renewable fuels in difficult-to-decarbonise sectors such as shipping and aviation and said the proposed Sustainable Maritime Alternative Propulsion mechanism could give producers and investors more long-term certainty. 

However, EWABA said two changes are needed. It wants Annex IX Part B biofuels, including used cooking oil and animal-fat biodiesel, to be included in the SMAP mechanism, arguing these fuels are already widely available and can cut emissions immediately without requiring new engines or bunkering infrastructure. 

It also warned against favouring feedstocks based on origin, saying Europe does not have enough domestic waste and residue material to meet demand. Instead, EWABA called for support to be based on verified sustainability and traceability. 

The group said that with these adjustments, the EU ETS revision could do more to accelerate emissions reductions and support Europe’s renewable fuels industry. 

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