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Netherlands launches biofuels certification scheme

Feb. 1, 2011, London, UK – The Netherlands has launched the first system for the certification of all types of sustainable biomass. The system was launched the last week of January by standardization institute NEN and the Rotterdam Climate Initiative.

The system is based on the Dutch technical agreement NTA 8080, which describes requirements for assessing the sustainability of solid, liquid, and gaseous biomass for energy applications and transport fuels.

Currently, certification is awarded by Dekra and Quality Services; more certifying bodies are expected to be added to the list soon. Certification for a number of Dutch companies has already started, and the first certificates are expected to be issued within the next couple of months. The system is awaiting approval from the European Union.

In June 2009, the European Commission published the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), which includes sustainability criteria for biofuels for transport and liquid biomass. Standards and certification schemes can be used to demonstrate compliance with the RED.

The European Committee will assess the various existing certification schemes for compliance with RED. Standards and certification schemes recognized by the EU will also have to be recognized by each EU member state.