Misplaced Pages

#381618

57-650: Strict sustainability standards for biofuel in the European Union (EU) are set by the European Commissioner on Energy . Biofuels are considered a renewable alternative to fossil fuels in the transportation sector for the EU. The EU has played a large role in increasing the use of biofuels in member states; however, it has also aimed, to some extent, to mitigate the potential negative impacts of biofuel production. Current EU legislation on biofuels includes

114-475: A German engineer, was one of the first pioneers in biofuel use. His early prototypes of combustion engines ran on ethanol in the 1860s. Additionally, German inventor and mechanical engineer Rudolf Diesel designed his original diesel engine to run on peanut oil. However, due to the discovery of large supplies of oil in the United States, petroleum prices plummeted and the use of biofuels dropped because of

171-650: A change from fossil fuels which are only available in certain areas of the world, so nations relying on this energy are dependent upon foreign energy. Moving away from fossil fuels would mean the EU could be more self-reliant when it comes to energy sources, and emissions from transporting fuel could be reduced too. Biofuels are also increasing greenhouse gas emissions through a phenomenon known as indirect land use change, as biofuels displace food production and farmers are forced to reclaim land from carbon-rich ecosystems such as forests and peatlands. Old growth trees act as carbon sinks, when farmers clear those forests this releases

228-456: A decrease. The debate within the EU surrounding biofuels ‘"has long been seen as a battle between politicians intent on finding a viable alternative to fossil fuels and campaign groups that claim the creation of biofuels creates potential environmental damage, cuts into food production, and may be of limited effect in tackling climate change ." The 2009 RED committed the EU to generating 20% of its energy mix from renewable sources, while capping

285-528: A fuel crisis driven by geopolitical conflict would again revive the need for alternative fuels. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries ( OPEC ), made substantial cuts in exports to non-OPEC nations leading to severe increases in oil prices, which prompted Europe to renew its search for biofuels. These rising prices continued into the twentieth century. With the new century came increased environmental consciousness regarding

342-575: A fuel substitute or as an additive in vehicles using combustion engines. If these fuels are used for electricity or heating, they are considered bioliquids . According to the European Commission on Energy, biofuels "emit less CO 2 , contain no sulphur compounds, and are generally more efficient due to their higher energy density". The goals of the EU are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce their dependency on other nations for fossil fuels. For this resource to be considered renewable,

399-720: A goal to increase renewable energy consumption by 20%, eliminate biofuel feedstock sourced from carbon-rich land, accounting for emissions caused from land use change as well as solely biofuel usage, and reducing greenhouse gas intensities from fuels used in transport and machinery. The European Union (EU) has its own subsidiary body that handles all energy-related issues, called the European Commission on Energy. They define biofuels as "liquid or gaseous transport fuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol which are made from biomass". Chemically, biofuels are alcohols produced by fermenting raw materials from starch and sugars. One of

456-606: A patent for the concept of a four cycle engine that had been issued to Beau De Rochas , a French engineer, in 1862. This resulted in Otto losing one of his patents and allowed Daimler to sell his engines in Germany without paying royalties. Neither Otto nor Daimler were aware of the Rochas patent. Rochas never built an engine. It is likely he could not have done so. Several of the inventions that are sometimes mentioned as having preceded

513-614: A patent in January 1861 for a liquid fueled engine based on the Lenoir (Gas) engine with the Prussian Ministry of Commerce, but it was rejected. Otto was aware of the concept of compressed fuel charge and tried to make an engine using this principle in 1861. It ran for just a few minutes before breaking. Otto's brother gave up on the concept, resulting in Otto looking for help elsewhere. From 1862 to 1863 Otto experimented with

570-434: A pattern where EU states attempt to reach a decision by an external event, and this is quickly rejected by a coalition led by Poland, including Italy and some new member states. But member states cannot always be treated as unified actors, because in several instances, the positions of various ministries from the same government diverged. Debates in the EU about whether or not green technologies are economically beneficial affect

627-402: A stationary motor. Otto had obtained many patents from several different nations and for several different features. When his former manager Gottlieb Daimler wanted to build small engines for transportation Otto showed no interest. Daimler left and took Maybach with him. Daimler had no desire to pay royalties to Otto ( Deutz AG ) and so hired a lawyer to find a solution. What the lawyer found was

SECTION 10

#1732779996382

684-448: A successful transition to advanced biofuels" has not been backed by science or logic, according to former Irish minister for the environment, Dick Roche. The infrastructure and technologies are not yet established to be able to perform such processes efficiently, and sudden removal of biofuels could lead to drastic pressure and overuse of other fuel sources. Criticisms from organisations such as Oxfam and WWF Europe also revolve around cutting

741-453: A year by 1875, the Otto and Langen engine had hit a technical dead end as an atmospheric engine: it produced only 3  hp (2.2  kW ; 3.0  PS ), yet required 10–13 ft (3.0–4.0 m) headroom to operate. Otto turned his attention to the four stroke cycle at which he had failed in 1862. Largely due to the efforts of Franz Rings and Herman Schumm, who were brought into the company by Gottlieb Daimler Otto succeeded in making

798-466: Is a general awareness that the current EU policy has led to the increased use of conventional biofuels, coming from feedstock and food crops, which in effect compromises agricultural space. The current EU legislation has therefore been criticized for accentuating the negative side effects that follow an increase in first generation biofuel consumption while failing to successfully address these issues. In Tanzania for example, Dutch company BioShape compromised

855-739: Is a member of the European Commission . The current Commissioner is Kadri Simson , in office since 1 December 2019. The Commissioner holds responsibility for the European Union's energy policy as well as nuclear issues ( Euratom ). It was previously a backwater in the commission but has now become sought-after as the European energy policy has been developed. The Commissioner for Energy has to deal with ongoing gas disputes between Russia and Ukraine which threaten European supplies, reduce dependence on Russian energy and reduce carbon emissions . The Directorate-General serving this Commissioner

912-415: Is an independent and external group or company that will verify whether a company is following the sustainability criteria for biofuels. The schemes are usually privately run but must be recognized as valid by the European Commission. The following is a list of approved voluntary schemes: The European Commission on Energy has established criteria on the use of biofuels for aviation in the EU. Emissions from

969-616: Is pushing for the EU to accept large quotas for ethanol imports. This would threaten the economic benefits that farmers in the EU would stand to gain from biofuel consumption. Martin Merrild, the outgoing president of the Association of European Farmers' Unions (COPA) believes "any such deal would expose EU farmers to unacceptable and unfair competition". "Free trade is very important for farmers", Merrild said, "but we cannot accept double standards. There will never be fair competition between

1026-641: Is the Directorate-General for Energy , which was combined with Transport prior to 2010. A member of the centre-right People's Party , Arias served as Minister for Agriculture, Food and Environment in the Spanish Government from 2011 until 2014, before being selected to head his Party List in the European Parliamentary elections . Arias Cañete was nominated as EU Commissioner for Energy and Climate Action in

1083-659: The Juncker Commission and took office on 1 November 2014. Günther Oettinger was appointed as the new Energy Commissioner in February 2010. However he was criticised for corruption and avoidance of EU law in his home state. His language skills have also been criticised and his nomination was met with confusion in Brussels. During his hearing with the European Parliament , Piebalgs stressed

1140-518: The EU and Latin America as they do not produce under the same conditions or meet the same standards". Biofuels are carbon neutral, renewable, recyclable, and a cleaner energy source than fossil fuels. Another advantage to biofuel use is sovereignty, which is especially relevant to the EU. The materials needed for producing biofuels are widely available all around the world so communities and countries can potentially rely on their own resources. This marks

1197-402: The EU has strict sustainability standards for the production of and use of biofuels. The three main criteria for biofuels to be sustainable and allowed for use are: To ensure these standards are met by the companies that produce and cultivate biofuels, there are several ways that the EU may verify their compliance. One method is that these companies must participate in voluntary schemes. A scheme

SECTION 20

#1732779996382

1254-752: The European Union are bound by such legislation and required to follow it. Legislation encompassing the use of biofuels in Europe consists of several energy/climate policy documents including the Indirect Land Usage Change (ILUC) directive of 2015, The Renewable Energy Directive (RED) of 2009, and the Fuel Quality Directive (FQD) of 2009. Current EU legislation as approved by the European Parliament in 2008 focuses on visions for 2020. Legislative targets involving

1311-543: The Four Stroke, Compressed Charge engine. It is this engine (the Otto Silent Engine), and not the Otto & Langen engine, to which the "Otto cycle" refers. This was the first commercially successful engine to use in-cylinder compression. The Rings-Schumm engine appeared in autumn 1876 and was immediately successful. In summary, the Otto engine which is the predecessor of the modern engine as specified by

1368-452: The Indirect Land Usage Change directive (ILUC) complement the RED act, and relate to biofuel usage in the EU. These targets include accounting for GHG emissions caused from land use change as well as solely biofuel usage, limiting the share of biofuel crops that can be grown on agricultural land as well as a number of reporting/ethical obligations for fuel providers. The Fuel Quality Directive (FQD)

1425-469: The Otto engine, such as Marcus, Barsanti, etc. are for two cycle (two stroke) atmospheric engines which do not compress the fuel charge. Otto's atmospheric engine is not the VDI (and other associations) Otto engine type. The only significant engines were those from Lenoir. His engines were the first to go into serial production. Lenoir eventually sold approximately 700 engines. Over 50,000 engines were produced in

1482-713: The United Kingdom, who now ranks fifth in European biofuel use, also explored alternative fuel use as fuel was crucial for the war, becoming the second country to discover the concept of mixing grain alcohol with petrol. However, with the end of the war, interest in biofuels waned. A combination of cheap oil from the Persian Gulf and the Middle East and increased geopolitical peace would lead to fewer advancements in alternative fuel sources. Between 1973 and 1979

1539-473: The VDI is Otto's fourth design. He built the following engines: Otto married Anna Gossi and the couple had seven recorded children. His son Gustav Otto grew up to become an aircraft builder. The Otto engine was designed as a stationary engine and in the action of the engine, the stroke is an upward or downward movement of a piston in a cylinder. Used later in an adapted form as an automobile engine , four strokes are involved: Otto only sold his engine as

1596-426: The aviation sector of transportation account for 3% of total emissions in the EU. They introduced the "European Advanced Biofuels Flightpath" in 2011, which promotes the increased use of biofuels in the aviation industry. They have also partnered with several airlines ( Lufthansa , Air France / KLM , and British Airways ) and biofuel producers (Choren Industries, Neste Oils, Biomass Technology Group, and UOP) to achieve

1653-536: The carbon that was locked up in those large trees. But not all biofuels are equal in their impact. Second-generation biofuels do not displace food production or cause more greenhouse gas emissions. To address this issue, in November 2016, the EU revised its renewable energy directive, which now calls for a complete ban on first-generation biofuels. Fuels made from oils such as palm oil and soy oil are being especially targeted. The revised Renewable Energy Directive covers

1710-678: The chart below transposes the requirements of the RED , FQD, or both into the policies of each member country in order to comply with EU regulations. In some countries, double counting is allowed for biofuels made from select materials, such as waste, non-food cellulosic materials, and others. Materials that qualify for double counting differ between countries. Many EU countries have minimum renewable energy source (RES) targets and minimum overall biofuel targets. The countries that do not have any minimum targets are Estonia, Germany, Latvia, and Sweden. *For select materials Criticisms in legislation There

1767-410: The commission to address a problem associated with thepotential indirect land use change that biofuel production may cause, since biofuel production usually takes place on former cropland. Since those crops will still be needed, it is possible that destroying forests or other natural areas may be necessary in order to increase agricultural land, which could potentially negate all emission reductions from

Biofuel in the European Union - Misplaced Pages Continue

1824-687: The disputes between Russia and Belarus and Ukraine. In April 2007 five southern European countries signed a deal to build an oil pipeline (the Pan-European Oil Pipeline ) from the Black Sea to Italy which will help diversify energy sources. Nicolaus Otto Nicolaus August Otto was born on 10 June 1832 in Holzhausen an der Haide , Germany. He was the youngest of six children. His father died in 1832. He began school in 1838. After six years of good performance he moved to

1881-577: The economic opportunity of biofuel usage and green energy, the potential effect on food prices and availability using biofuel may have, and the degree to which biofuel use could benefit the environment. The EU has been debating whether it should increase its lowering emissions target to above 20% by 2020. There is a divide in the EU between "those who see climate-change policy as detrimental to growth and those seeing it as beneficial to growth". Many member states have also been internally divided by their ministries in this regard. Step-up negotiations have formed

1938-560: The goals set in the Flightpath. The European Advanced Biofuels Flightpath aims to get biofuels to the market faster through the production of more advanced production facilities and to have the aviation industry use 2 million tonnes of biofuels by 2020. The Flightpath also outlines how the commission will achieve its financial goals.. As a part of the Flightpath, the EU also plans to facilitate purchase agreements between aviation companies and biofuel producers. Rules have been established by

1995-427: The government for community use, and violently prevented community access to it, in attempts to maximize profits. The adoption of non-land based feedstock or ''advanced biofuels'' derived from wastes and bacteria has proven to be a more sustainable solution than conventional biofuels. However, proposals of the revised RED II target to phase out conventional biofuels has received many criticisms; "miraculously relying on

2052-468: The help of Cologne Mechanic Michael J. Zons in an effort to improve the engine. Running low on funds, in 1862 Otto worked for Carl Mertens in order to continue work on his engine. Early in 1864, Otto sought investors to fund his research. He found Eugen Langen , whose father was a sugar industrialist. Together they entered into a partnership on 31 March 1864 and named it NA Otto & Cie in Cologne. This

2109-508: The high school in Langenschwalbach until 1848. He did not complete his studies but was cited for good performance. His main interest in school had been in science and technology but he graduated after three years as a business apprentice in a small merchandise company. After completing his apprenticeship he moved to Frankfurt where he worked for Philipp Jakob Lindheimer as a salesman of colonial goods and agricultural products (he

2166-464: The impact fossil fuels have on the environment. The increase in prices, and interest in sustainability lead to unprecedented innovation in the alternative fuel industry. Thus biofuels such as ethanol are now used all over the world as an alternative fuel in internal combustion engines. While complete substitution is not yet common throughout Europe, countries like Germany have been using E10 fuel (consisting of 10% ethanol) since 2011. E10 fuels have replaced

2223-626: The importance of the environment in energy policy and was cautious of nuclear power . He received strong backing from the Parliament. He outlined his priorities as; The European Union is an active supporter of the Kyoto Protocol , which it signed alongside its member-states. In March 2007 the Union committed itself to cut CO 2 emissions by 20 percent by 2020. There is also a desire to reduce dependency on Russian energy supplies following

2280-405: The land and deprived four communities of living space, in order to supply green energy to Dutch and Belgian markets. Operations at the far end of supply chains of, such European biofuel producers, have also been shown to engage in abusive practices of local communities. In Sumatra, Indonesia, a supply company of Wilmar International obtained concessions of large amounts of land originally put aside by

2337-502: The legislation include: An end to the use of crop-based biofuels by 2030, and the use of biomass for electricity production, was also endorsed by the European Parliament committee by a smaller majority. Currently, the European Parliament committee and the Industry, Research and Energy committee have voted in agreement on this new RED II legislation; however, a full European Parliamentary vote is now needed. The legislation highlighted in

Biofuel in the European Union - Misplaced Pages Continue

2394-418: The more prominent biofuels, ethanol , is made up of biomass such as sugarcane and corn. Other sources of biofuel such as biomethane and biofertilizers are produced from unusable straw. The use of these products increases the energy yield per hectare of agricultural land by as much as 50%. Compared to petroleum, this process leads to up to an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide production. Ethanol fuels can be used as

2451-579: The period 2021 to 2030, and also "calls for a further increase in the share of renewable energy in the EU's mix to at least 27% by 2030". At the same time, it aims to cut the use of crop-based biofuels to 3.8% of transport fuel and shift the market towards' secondary biofuel sources. There are also debates around converting land from food to biofuels, which could drive up food prices and threaten food security. With current population growth and water shortages this could be very dangerous. European Commissioner for Energy The European Commissioner for Energy

2508-572: The post-Paris sustainable development goals (SDGs). The 70,000 km of agricultural land used to produce biofuels in Europe in 2008 could have been used to feed 127 million people for a year, contributing to the 'end hunger and poverty' SDG. "Policies that subsidize or mandate food-based biofuel production or consumption drive up food prices and multiply price shocks in agricultural markets". Furthermore, on average, food-based crops emit more than 50% more greenhouse gasses than fossil fuels, resulting in an increase in transport emissions in 2020 rather than

2565-468: The potential negative impacts of biofuel production. Legislative procedures in Europe currently involve a proposal made by the European Commission, followed by a process of up to 3 readings and amendments through the European Parliament , its committees, and the Council of the European Union . This process results in discussion, and document revision that can then be voted in parliament. All member state of

2622-431: The previous E5 fuel, containing 5% ethanol; although this may seem like a slight increase in ethanol use, this increase reflects a more progressive Europe as improvements are being made based primarily upon environmentally conscious efforts, rather than geopolitical or economic pressures. The EU has played a large role in increasing the use of biofuels in member states; however, it has also aimed, to some extent, to mitigate

2679-482: The production of biofuels. The EU Commission on Energy introduced several new rules to address indirect land use change in 2015, in the form of amendments on the Renewable Energy Directive and Fuel Quality Directive (Directive 2009/30/EC). These amendments include: Germany ranks first in biofuel use in the EU, partly due to the early implementation of such fuel sources. Nicolaus August Otto ,

2736-408: The relative ease and cheaper cost of petroleum fuels. As the oil industry continued to grow, the start of World War II forced Germany to continue research into alternatives for imported fuel due to strained international relations. With the increased pressure for alternative fuel sources, German inventors implemented the use of gasoline along with alcohol derived from potatoes. During this same period,

2793-400: The share of biofuels used in the transport sector at 7%. This Directive intended to compromise between the two sides of the argument surrounding the use of biofuels. "Analysts have said that biofuel seemed an ideal solution for the EU a couple years ago. But the longer-term impact on food prices, deforestation and environment prompted a rethink". The most prominent aspects of this ''rethink'' are

2850-576: The use of biofuels are covered to a large extent in the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), which aims to source 10% of energy in transport sectors from renewables by 2020. Further goals include a 20% increase in renewable energy consumption, a 20% increase in energy efficiency, no biofuel feedstock sourced from carbon-rich land, compliance with environment and social sustainability criteria of differing countries exporting fuels as well as reductions in GHG lifecycle emissions of transport fuels by 6%. Targets stated in

2907-409: The use of palm oil in biofuels and the side effects on these industries. Arguments include ruining livelihoods of those who rely on palm oil industries for survival in countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as allowing other powers like China to dominate and increase palm oil imports to compensate. Recent legislation has also been criticised for hindering the ability of member states to reach

SECTION 50

#1732779996382

2964-406: The way in which biofuels are seen. The support for biofuels comes from the side of the EU which considers green technology to be economically beneficial. However, biofuels are more controversial than some other renewable technologies, like wind power or solar power. There are potential economic benefits to the use of biofuels, as they are said to be the cheapest potential sources of fuel available in

3021-431: The world. Additionally, "the production of crop-based biofuels in Europe generates at least 6.6 billion euros in direct revenue for farmers per year". But, "'beside Europe's changing regulatory structure, farmers and ethanol producers are concerned by the potential for unfair competition from South America once the EU closes its trade deal with the continent's Mercosur trade bloc." Brazil is a prominent member of Mercosur, and

3078-427: Was a double acting engine. In essence these engines are a steam engine altered to run on illuminating gas. The engines of Italian inventors Eugenio Barsanti and Felice Matteucci in their British Patent no 1625 of 1857, were built and are in a museum. Unlike Otto's engine these are two stroke atmospheric engines which are not in any way comparable. For all its commercial success, with the company producing 634 engines

3135-476: Was a grocery salesman). Otto worked for various companies, first for IC Alpeter and then in 1860 for Carl Mertens. He traveled throughout Western Germany and sold colonial goods—coffee, tea, rice, and sugar. In late autumn of 1860 Otto and his brother learned of a novel gas ( illuminating gas ) engine that Jean Joseph Etienne Lenoir had built in Paris. The brothers built a copy of the Lenoir engine and applied for

3192-433: Was revised in 2011 to act in harmony with these two legislations, introducing laws on greenhouse gas intensities from fuels used in transport and machinery, and reducing them by 6% by 2020. RED II proposals On 16 January 2018, the European Parliament endorsed proposals for a legislative Renewable Energy Directive II, which aims to aid in reaching goals for the 2030 EU Climate and Energy Framework. Key targets involved in

3249-431: Was the world's first company focused entirely on the design and production of internal combustion engines. The 1864 Otto & Langen engine was a free piston atmospheric engine (the explosion of gas was used to create a vacuum and the power came from atmospheric pressure returning the piston). It consumed less than half the gas of the Lenoir and Hugon atmospheric engines and so was a commercial success. The Lenoir engine

#381618