Statutory increase in sales of biofuels

The proportion of biofuels in petrol and diesel increased from 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent on April 1st. The Government wishes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from road traffic.

The decision comes in the wake of biodiesel war that was fought in Parliament last November.

The decision comes in the wake of biodiesel war that was fought in Parliament last November. When the government revoked tax exemption for biodiesel, even though their was clear majority in Parliament wanting to continue the exemption. Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg (Ap) announced instead that the intervention the percentage of biofuels would increase.

He said at the time that it is better to increase the use of environmentally friendly fuel through sales orders than to continue the tax subsidies that charges the community. Now therefore the first step in the increase.

Secure jobs

In a press release from the Ministry of Environment states that the increased demand for biofuels will help to secure Norwegian jobs in this industry.

The government aims to increase the proportion to 5 per cent when it is drawn up clear criteria for measuring the environmental gain. The Norwegian guidelines will build on the EU countries agree on. This work is not yet finished. Change setting is to introduce sustainability criteria in Norway January 1 2011.

Ministry of Environment has signed an agreement with the Norwegian Institute of Petroleum for voluntary reporting on the use of biofuels. The hope is that the industry alone will provide information about the feedstock biofuel is made from, and what country it comes from.

Consumers

In this way, motorists will have access to information on environmental gains through the entire production chain, from raw material to finished product.

Increased consumption of biofuels is one of several ways to reduce Norwegian emissions of greenhouse gases. We must ensure that the fuel used in Norway, is produced in a manner that does not compromise the environment or food supply in other countries. It is possible to find biofuels that do not have such adverse effects, and allows the industry to do much on a voluntary basis, “said Erik Solheim.

Biofuels are liquid or gas that is produced by biological material. For example, is made from plant crops, waste from households and surplus products from agriculture and fishing. Today, most of biofuel come from plant crops.

Source: Aftenbladet