Bill set to boost production and use of biofuels
Greece plans to expand the use of biofuels and other alternative sources of fuel, Development Ministry officials said yesterday. The ministry introduced a bill providing for expanded biofuel production for public consultation. The goal is to use biofuels in at least 2 percent of transport and to expand that to 5.75 percent by 2010. The government would prefer to see the domestic production of biofuels boosted rather than import the necessary raw materials. It reckons that an increase in domestic production would also indirectly benefit the farming sector. The bill introduces a license for biofuel distribution which will encourage small producers to become active and sell their produce in the domestic market. It will also provide the option to import the raw materials if they are not readily available. The Development Ministry has already exempted biodiesel from the special fuel consumption task. The recently voted upon investment incentives law also makes specific mention of biofuel-producing plants. With the bill, which is expected to be voted on on August 22, the government also hopes to meet EU-mandated alternative fuel use targets.
