France Proposes Renewable Hydrogen Quota for Transport Sector, Seeks Stakeholder Feedback
Key Ideas
- France proposes a 1.5pc renewable hydrogen quota for the transport sector by 2030, exceeding the EU minimum requirement.
- The proposed mechanism, IRICC, aims to replace the existing Tiruert system and sets specific quotas for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen.
- The consultation document also outlines penalties for non-compliance, with hefty fines proposed to ensure companies meet their quotas.
- Stakeholders have until June 10 to provide feedback on the proposed regulations for reducing emissions in the transport sector.
France has initiated a consultation on a proposed 1.5pc renewable hydrogen quota for the transport sector by 2030, surpassing the EU minimum requirement. The country's ecological transition ministry introduced the IRICC mechanism to replace the Tiruert system and enforce specific quotas for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen use. These regulations set targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions across various transport sectors from 2026 to 2035, aligning with the EU's REDIII requirements. Stakeholders have the opportunity to offer feedback on whether a 0.8pc quota would be preferable before the June 10 deadline.
In addition to the hydrogen quotas, the French proposal includes penalties for non-compliance to incentivize companies to meet their obligations. Fuel suppliers falling short of their RFNBO quotas could face a penalty of €80 per GJ, along with additional fines for failing to achieve GHG emissions reduction targets. The proposed penalties are higher than in some EU countries, aiming to drive compliance and progress towards emission reduction goals.
Moreover, the document outlines specific targets for the use of synthetic fuels in the aviation and maritime sectors, with the potential for trading of GHG emissions reduction and fuel supply credits. This initiative positions France favorably to become a significant producer of synthetic aviation fuels due to its substantial nuclear power capacity. The proposal also foresees quotas for synthetic fuels in the maritime sector, although the EU has not yet established binding targets for this sector.
With Finland aiming for a 4pc quota by 2030 and Denmark facing criticism for less ambitious plans, France's proposal showcases its commitment to sustainable energy solutions. The consultation period allows stakeholders to engage with the proposed regulations and provide input on the future of France's renewable hydrogen strategy.
Topics
Projects
Renewable Energy
Transport Sector
Emissions Reduction
EU Regulations
Stakeholder Engagement
Penalties
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