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EU publishes CO2 car standard tweak proposal

  • : Battery materials, Biofuels, E-fuels, Emissions
  • 25/04/01

The European Commission has published the long-awaited proposal to give automobile manufacturers more flexibility in complying with the bloc's CO2 reduction targets for cars and passenger vehicles in 2025, 2026 and 2027. Those three years would be assessed jointly, rather than annually, averaging out fleet emission performance.

EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra said the additional compliance flexibility shows that the commission has "listened" but the EU is still maintaining its zero-emission targets [for new vehicles from 2035]. "Predictability in the sector is crucial for long-term investments," said Hoekstra. The commission urged the European Parliament and EU member states to reach agreement on the targeted amendment "without delay".

German centre-right member Jens Gieseke said there is a "broad majority" in parliament to fast-track approval for May. He noted that the car industry faces over €15bn ($16bn) in penalties for non-compliance with the CO2 standards. A member of parliament's largest EPP group, Gieseke also called for the commission to go further towards technological neutrality.

"We need different kinds of fuels, e-fuels, biofuels, every fuel which could help to reduce CO2 should be recognized," he added. This second step, withdrawing the phase-out of internal combustion engines (ICE) from 2035 onwards, Gieseke noted, should come in the last quarter of 2025.

German Green MEP Michael Bloss disputed the figure of €15bn in potential fines put forward by automotive industry association ACEA. "Even in the worst-case scenario, the total fines for all car manufacturers would not exceed €1bn," said Bloss. "Car manufacturers have had enough time to adjust their production planning. Many have done so," Bloss said, pointing to Automaker Volvo.

Under the current 2019 regulation, fines should be imposed on manufacturers for each year in 2025–2029 when they do not reach their specific fleet-wide target CO2 reductions, compared to 2021 values. But manufacturers have the option to form compliance pools with other firms.

"European car manufacturers are already talking to Tesla or Chinese manufacturers about so-called pooling, which must be stopped quickly," said EPP climate and environment spokesman Peter Liese. "We want to maintain climate targets, but not make Elon Musk richer through European legislation," said Liese.


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25/04/04

Indústria de SAF no Brasil deve decolar em 2027

Indústria de SAF no Brasil deve decolar em 2027

Sao Paulo, 4 April (Argus) — A indústria de aviação brasileira está atenta às regulações para o combustível sustentável de aviação (SAF, na sigla em inglês), enquanto o mercado doméstico aguarda o início da produção local para cumprir com o plano de mandato de mescla e com o potencial de exportação. A Lei do Combustível do Futuro visa aumentar as mesclas obrigatórias de biocombustíveis para reduzir as emissões de gases de efeito estufa (GEEs) em voos domésticos no período de dez anos, a começar por 2027. O Brasil se comprometeu a aplicar um mandato de 10pc de SAF até 2037. Os esforços do país para implementar o mandato de SAF estão alinhados às diretrizes do Esquema para Compensação e Redução de Carbono para a Aviação Internacional (Corsia, na sigla em inglês), da Organização da Aviação Civil Internacional (ICAO, na sigla em inglês), que prevê a redução de emissões de GEEs em voos internacionais. O programa determina duas fases até a implementação integral das metas de redução, pensando em uma adaptação mais eficiente das companhias aéreas e dos produtores. As companhias aéreas podem aderir voluntariamente ao programa entre 2024-26. As metas compulsórias globais são implementadas entre 2027-2035, o que incentiva o uso de SAF e a compensação de créditos de carbono. A fase obrigatória abrange todos os voos internacionais, incluindo aqueles com embarque e desembarque em países não-voluntários, exceto os considerados menos desenvolvidos e os de baixa participação no tráfego aéreo global. O SAF brasileiro é uma indústria recém-nascida com potencial para oferta de insumos , principalmente as rotas de produção envolvendo óleo de soja, etanol de milho e de cana-de-açúcar, bem como largas terras agrícolas destinadas à produção de biomassa sem a prática de mudança do uso da terra (MUT). Essa variabilidade também abre espaço para novos projetos que reutilizam terras degradadas e áreas agrícolas existentes em conformidade com os critérios de sustentabilidade da ICAO relacionados ao uso de terra e ao aprimoramento do solo. A inserção do SAF no Brasil enfrenta obstáculos econômicos à medida que a alta volatilidade do mercado pesa sobre os investimentos de longo prazo, disse o consultor da A&M Infra, Filipe Bonaldo. Segundo o consultor, a agenda política não afetará a transição energética no país como aconteceu nos Estados Unidos sob o governo do presidente Donald Trump, uma vez que a economia do Brasil depende fortemente da agricultura e as regulações do mercado são otimistas. Como uma potência agrícola, o Brasil oferece produção de baixo custo e múltiplas fontes para suprir as demandas internas e externas. O Brasil é o terceiro maior exportador global nos mercados agrícola e pecuário, liderando os segmentos da soja, suco de laranja e de carne, de acordo com a Confederação da Agricultura e Pecuária do Brasil (CAN). Estreia no Rio A Vibra foi a primeira distribuidora a oferecer SAF no Brasil, antes da mescla obrigatória entrar em vigor. A empresa importou 550m³ de SAF produzido a partir de óleo de cozinha usado (UCO, na sigla em inglês), a partir da Bélgica, em janeiro. O biocombustível está disponível para venda nas instalações da Vibra no aeroporto internacional do Rio de Janeiro após dez meses de operações logísticas. A Certificação Internacional de Sustentabilidade e Carbono (ISCC, na sigla em inglês) assegurou a validade de todas as etapas, desde a cadeia de suprimento do produto até a distribuição. A Vibra opera em mais de 90 aeroportos no território brasileiro e representa 60pc da participação de mercado da aviação nacional através da subsidiária BR Aviation, disse o vice-presidente executivo de operações, Marcelo Bragança. Por que tanta demora? Por muito tempo, o setor teve dúvidas quanto à viabilidade técnica do uso de biocombustíveis na aviação, especialmente quanto à segurança, disse a gerente de meio-ambiente e transição energética da Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (Anac), Marcela Anselmi. A Anac e a Agência Nacional do Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis (ANP) seguem as regulações internacionais para o SAF ao exigirem que o biocombustível apresente semelhanças físico-químicas com o combustível fóssil de aviação para garantir a segurança das operações aéreas. Ainda não é possível usar 100pc de SAF nos motores de aeronaves, disse Anselmi. Há um limite de 50pc de mescla que inibe a adesão ao redor do mundo, considerando as restrições técnicas que ainda precisam ser superadas. O compromisso recente com as pautas de transição energética está incentivando a oferta de biomassa para a aviação, bem como aos modais rodoviário e marítimo, o que exige novas rotas de produção. Por exemplo, a rota alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) converte etanol em SAF, o que pode ser caro para instalar e implica alto investimento em bens de capitais. No contexto global, o Brasil está na vanguarda da pauta SAF, considerando que a Europa e os EUA publicaram legislações relacionadas à produção e ao consumo somente nos últimos dois anos, apontou Anselmi. Enquanto isso, a capacidade projetada de produção de SAF na América do Sul pode chegar a 1.100 m³/ano em 2030, de acordo com a Empresa de Pesquisa Energética (EPE). Por João Curi Envie comentários e solicite mais informações em feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . Todos os direitos reservados.

Funding cuts could delay US river lock renovations


25/04/03
25/04/03

Funding cuts could delay US river lock renovations

Houston, 3 April (Argus) — The US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) will have to choose between various lock reconstruction and waterway projects for its annual construction plan after its funding was cut earlier this year. Last year Congress allowed the Corps to use $800mn from unspent infrastructure funds for other waterways projects. But when Congress passed a continuing resolutions for this year's budget they effectively removed that $800mn from what was a $2.6bn annual budget for lock reconstruction and waterways projects. This means a construction plan that must be sent to Congress by 14 May can only include $1.8bn in spending. No specific projects were allocated funding by Congress, allowing the Corps the final say on what projects it pursues under the new budget. River industry trade group Waterways Council said its top priority is for the Corps to provide a combined $205mn for work at the Montgomery lock in Pennsylvania on the Ohio River and Chickamauga lock in Tennesee on the Tennessee River since they are the nearest to completion and could become more expensive if further delayed. There are seven active navigation construction projects expected to take precedent, including the following: the Chickamauga and Kentucky Locks on the Tennessee River; Locks 2-4 on the Monongahela River; the Three Rivers project on the Arkansas River; the LaGrange Lock and Lock 25 on the Illinois River; and the Montgomery Lock on the Ohio River. There are three other locks in Texas, Pennsylvania and Illinois that are in the active design phase (see map) . By Meghan Yoyotte Corps active construction projects 2025 Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Trump to 'stand firm' on tariffs as markets crash


25/04/03
25/04/03

Trump to 'stand firm' on tariffs as markets crash

Washington, 3 April (Argus) — President Donald Trump does not intend to back down from his plan for sweeping import tariffs that have already caused a sell-off in global equity markets and some commodities, administration officials say. The tariffs — which will start at 10pc for most imports on 5 April before steeper country-specific tariffs take effect on 9 April, with exceptions for some energy and mineral imports — have caused key stock indexes to drop by as much as 5pc, with even larger declines in crude futures, as investors brace for lower growth and a higher chance of a recession. Trump earlier today defended the tariffs, as he prepared to leave the White House for a dinner tonight at a golf tournament at one of his resorts in Florida. "THE OPERATION IS OVER! THE PATIENT LIVED, AND IS HEALING," Trump wrote in a social media post before major stock markets opened. Trump's cabinet has downplayed the short-term price effect of the tariffs, which they say will boost economic growth in the US and cause a resurgence in domestic manufacturing. US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick said he does not think there is "any chance" that Trump will rescind the tariffs, and said Trump will only begin to work on new trade deals once a country has "really, really changed their ways" on trade practices. "Trump is going to stand firm because he is reordering global trade," Lutnick said today in an interview with CNN. "Make no mistake about it, America has been exploited, and he is done allowing America to be exploited." Other administration officials have suggested a greater potential for lower tariffs in the near-term. US treasury secretary Scott Bessent has encouraged world leaders to "take a deep breath" and not to "panic" because the tariff rates that Trump announced were a "ceiling" that might come down, so long as there was no retaliation. "Don't immediately retaliate, let's see where this goes, because if you retaliate, that's how we get escalation," Bessent said on 2 April during interview on Fox News. The tariffs have caused bipartisan backlash on Capitol Hill, but so far legislative action has been symbolic and unlikely to become law. The US Senate, in a bipartisan vote on 2 April, approved a joint resolution that would end the justification Trump has used to put tariffs on Canada. US senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) introduced a bill today to eliminate most new presidential tariffs after 60 days without approval by the US Congress. Democrats say the tariffs will force consumers to pay far more on everyday goods, with revenue offsetting Republican plans to provide more than $5 trillion in tax cuts. "Donald Trump is using tariffs in the dumbest way imaginable. In fact, Donald Trump slapped tariffs on penguins and not on Putin," US Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) said today, in reference to Trump's decision to put a 10pc tariff on an island populated only with penguins. Trump has claimed his country-specific tariffs are "reciprocal" even though they have no relation to the tariffs each country charges on US imports. Instead, Trump's tariffs were calculated based on a universal equation that is set at half of the country's trade deficit with the US, divided by the country's imports from the US, with a minimum tariff rate of 10pc. Major US trading partners are preparing for retaliatory tariffs. Canada's prime minister Mark Carney said he would respond to Trump's tariffs on automobiles, which took effect today, by "matching the US approach" and imposing a 25pc tariff on auto imports that do not comply with the US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement. China said it was preparing unspecified countermeasures to US tariffs that would be set at 54pc. Trump's cabinet today dismissed the market reaction to the tariffs. Stock markets are going through a "short-term adjustment" but the tariffs will ultimately result in more growth and additional investments, US Small Business Administration administrator Kelly Loeffler said today in an interview on Fox News "The gravy train is over for the globalist elites," said Loeffler, who previously was a top executive at US exchange operator ICE. By Chris Knight Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

US battery costs face sharp rise on tariffs


25/04/03
25/04/03

US battery costs face sharp rise on tariffs

London, 3 April (Argus) — Battery cells imported into the US market face a sharp cost increase following the imposition of US president Donald Trump's new tariff regime. The US last year imported $23.8bn worth of battery cells, according to trade data, mostly from China, Japan and South Korea, all of which have been hit with "reciprocal" tariffs after Trump's executive order was signed on 2 April. China, by far the largest supplier of battery cells to the US market, is now subject to an effective 64.9pc tariffs, with the extra 34pc duty on top of other tariffs from previous administrations. Battery cell imports to the US from China last year amounted to $16.45bn, 70pc of the total, up from just $2bn in 2020. The new tariffs would add $8bn to this cost for US carmakers and battery pack producers. Japan and South Korea, long-standing US allies and partners in battery cell production, face tariff rates of 24pc and 25pc, respectively. The US last year imported $1.7bn worth of battery cells from Japan and $1.3bn from South Korea. Despite the tariffs, there is potential that Japan and South Korea could eat into China's share of US imports, because of the gulf between their respective tariff rates and being the world's only real alternative producers at this point. A longer-term outcome could be that the US domesticates some of this battery cell production, a trend that was already under way, thanks to Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, which allocated federal funding to battery giga-factories and other battery-related projects throughout the US. But building battery cells is not simple. The US will need access to raw materials, some of which are heavily affected by the new tariffs. Cell-making technology, controlled by the three Asian countries, could be included in any retaliatory measures. "The Trump administration's 'Liberation Day' announcement on tariffs are the biggest trade shock in history, representing a historic shift away from the long-term trend towards free trade," chief economist at investment bank Macquarie Ric Deverell said. "The tariff increase far exceeds earlier expectations, highlighting the strong 're-industrialisation' ideology of the Trump administration." Battery materials impact mixed The impact on key materials for the battery supply chain is mixed, with some metals and pre-cursor materials exempted from the new measures, while some key materials are included. Lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, cobalt sulphate, cobalt metal, manganese dioxide, natural graphite powder and flakes all are exempt from new additional tariffs. Key materials that are not exempt include nickel sulphate, manganese sulphate, phosphoric acid, iron phosphate and synthetic graphite, all of which will be included in the tariff regimes implemented on individual countries. The US has no nickel sulphate production and imports most of its material from Belgium and Australia, which exported 1,872t and 1,060t to the US last year, respectively. Tariffs on Belgium will fall under the EU, which will be applied at 20pc, while Australia is subject to a tariff of 10pc. Indonesia, the world's largest nickel producer, is subject to a tariff of 32pc, although so far it has not supplied material to the US. Total US imports of nickel sulphate last year reached 3,738t, up from just 1,125t in 2020. With regard to synthetic graphite, another essential item for battery cell production, the US imported 115,778t in 2024, up substantially from 30,109t in 2020. Most of this came from China, at 74pc of the import market. This material now will be subject to 54pc tariffs, significantly increasing this cost for US battery cell producers. By Thomas Kavanagh and Chris Welch US lithium-ion battery imports by country $bn Feedstock materials exempt from 2 Apr tariffs t US manufacturing investments by stage of supply chain $bn Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Prio supplies B100 for bunkering in Portugal


25/04/03
25/04/03

Prio supplies B100 for bunkering in Portugal

Sao Paulo, 3 April (Argus) — Portuguese biodiesel supplier Prio has supplied B100 marine biodiesel and fixed contracts for the supply pure hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) into marine for the first time in Portugal. The bunker fuel delivery comprising 30t of 100pc used cooking oil methyl ester (Ucome) biodiesel took place in the Portuguese port of Viana do Castelo to the ferry Lobo Marinho and the containership Funchalense V , both owned by Grupo Sousa. Prio said the B100 supply achieved an emission intensity value of about 11.4 gCO2e/MJ, reflecting greenhouse gas (GHG) savings of about 88pc against a default fossil bunker value. The company also fixed summer-season March-July contracts with a cruise liner for the supply of 175t of Class II HVO at the port of Lisbon. This fuel is produced from used cooking oil (UCO). The B100 and HVO supplies are done on an ex-truck delivery basis. Marine biodiesel is seen as an alternative to conventional bunker fuels since the introduction of FuelEU Maritime regulations starting this year, which require ships traveling in, out, and within EU territorial waters to reduce GHG emissions by 2pc on a lifecycle basis and increasing up to 80pc by 2050. Argus assessed the price of Class II HVO fob ARA at an average of $1,795.13/t in the first quarter of this year, compared with $1,431.46/t for Ucome fob ARA in the same time in 2024. Both biofuels were marked well above conventional bunker fuel prices. Very-low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) dob ARA averaged $515.56/t and marine gasoil (MGO) dob ARA was $655.37/t during January-March this year. By Hussein Al-Khalisy and Natália Coelho Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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