EU's Net-Zero Act to advance shipping decarbonisation
Clean marine fuels for shipping, including advanced biofuels and e-fuels, have been added to the list of net-zero technologies approved by the European Parliament under the Net-Zero Industry Act.
PHOTO: The building of the European Parliament (the Louise Weiss Building) in Strasbourg, France. Getty Images
Last week, the members of the European Parliament (MEPs) agreed upon the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), which is designed to increase the EU's production of green fuels and promote technologies for decarbonisation, including shipping.
The new act sets a benchmark for the European Commission and EU member states to provide clean fuel production capacity of at least 40% for shipping by 2030.
European shipowners have voiced their approval for the inclusion of clean marine fuels, which include advanced biofuels and e-fuels, in the list of net-zero technologies adopted under the Net-Zero Industry Act.
“This is a crucial step towards ensuring the availability of affordable clean fuels for shipping, a key requirement for meeting the targets outlined in the Fuel EU Maritime Regulation,” European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) said in a statement.
The act will promote a wide range of technologies, including renewables, nuclear, industrial decarbonisation, energy storage and biotech. It also streamlines the permitting process for new production facilities, setting clear project timelines.
“This vote is a positive development for European industry and sets a tone for the future. A robust industry presence in Europe is vital to achieve our economic, climate, and energy objectives. This Act lays the groundwork for this purpose,” lead MEP Christian Ehler stated.
"We will work closely with the Commission to ensure that the 40% benchmark is translated into immediate action,” ECSA’s Secretary General Sotiris Raptis said.
The act is expected to be formally adopted by the European Council in order to become a law on 21 May, a EU official tells ENGINE.
By Debarati Bhattacharjee
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