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The development of biofuels in the EU mainly aims at partially replacing diesel and gasoline, in order to:
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abide by the commitments regarding climate change
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ensure a durable security of energy supply
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promote renewable energy
In the frame of the Kyoto Protocol [1], the European Union has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2008-2012. The transportation sector however produces more and more GHG emissions. Road transport, in particular, is responsible for 85% of emissions in the sector.
The transportation market is also dependent on oil at 98%. According to the Directorate-General for Energy and Transport of the European Commission, the energy dependence of the EU on its external suppliers could reach 70% by 2030 (of which 90% oil) if no action is taken. At a time when the impending "peak oil" is at the heart of all the discussions, it is urgent to develop and promote sustainable alternatives to conventional fuels.
Because of their renewable nature and their properties similar to those of conventional fuels, biodiesel and bioethanol are some of the most promising alternatives in the short term.
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