 on the revision of EU 2019/1242 (CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles), voted in the TRAN committee and passed on 19 September 2023 (29 for, 11 against, 3 abstentions), was 

The EBA highlighted the specific amendment to use a Carbon Correction Factor and CO2-neutral fuel definition, which acknowledges the limitations of a tailpipe-only emissions approach and recognises the contribution of biomethane to decarbonisation.

The ITRE and ENVI committees will hold votes on their opinions on 12 and 23 October 2023 respectively, with ENVI being the responsible committee.

’ over the results of the ENVI committee’s vote on the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) on 20 September 2023 (54 for, 14 against, 7 abstentions).

The EBA focussed their attention on the removal of biomethane as one of the strategic net-zero technologies listed in the Annex of the proposed NZIA. In their press release, they noted that anaerobic digestion was a mature technology (TRL 9 by 

), also touting the self-sufficiency of the sector, not relying on third countries for import or technology.

It is unclear why biomethane was removed as a strategic net zero technology – in the compromise amendments, e-fuels are listed 

The responsible committee, ITRE, will hold their vote on 25 October, with the EBA hopeful for stronger recognition of biomethane in the NZIA.

The TRAN vote is bullish for biomethane in transport, while the ENVI vote on the NZIA is bearish for biomethane in general.

We previously commented on the revision of the HDV regulation in 

, seen as a positive development for renewable fuels, particularly for bioCNG and bioLNG which are currently in use. The TRAN vote offers more support to transport biomethane, particularly in the medium term.

The Net Zero Industry Act was proposed in March 2023, to strengthen manufacturing capacity in Europe and reduce regulatory barriers, seen as key to achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal.

Recognition of biomethane in the Act would help accelerate the rollout of biomethane facilities in the EU and improve biomethane supply in the medium term. While the benefits of biomethane are largely recognised in the EU taxonomy, its exclusion from the NZIA may slow deployment.

 on the EU taxonomy two years prior (April 2021), where the recognition of AD and grid biomethane activities as sustainable was lauded, but restrictions for biomethane in transport (and heating) were viewed negatively – the two current opinions represent contrary developments.

*correction 17 Oct 2023 - initially mixed ITRE and ENVI vote dates on CO2 performance standards

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The EBA issued press releases on two opinions affecting the fortunes of the biomethane industry that were voted on in EP committees this week.