The transport sector contributes to a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, which needs to be tackled to reach the Sustainable Development Goals. Sweden plays a leading role in the production and testing of new biofuels and has one of the highest shares of biofuels in the transport sector in the EU.
Biofuels refer to fuels that have been produced from renewable biomass. There are several kinds, but the most common are biodiesel, bioethanol, HVO, and biogas. Biofuels can, to a large extent, replace the current use of fossil fuels and are needed to achieve emission reduction goals.
In 2005, the Swedish government implemented the Act on the Obligation to Supply Renewable Fuels, which states that all major filling stations are required to supply renewable fuels, such as ethanol or biogas. The act intended to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and increase the availability and use of biofuels.
Sweden is one of the countries in the EU with the highest shares of biofuels in the transport sector. Already in 2010, Sweden reached the EU goal of having 10 % renewable fuels by 2020. In addition, Sweden has strict requirements for how biofuels are produced to consider them sustainable. For biofuels or liquid biofuels to be considered sustainable, the use of these fuels should lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, compared to the emissions that the use of fossil fuels would have given.
Image by Sofia Sabel/imagebank.sweden.se
Swedish policies and experiences can be used to inspire similar processes in other cities and countries. Using an increased amount of biofuels can play a key role in achieving climate benefits, such as emission reduction goals, but it requires the development and implementation of new fuel technology and infrastructure. Biofuels must be implemented as a complement to other developments, such as more fuel-efficient vehicles, electrification, and increased use of public transportation.
