“Higher biodiesel blends are absolutely necessary to accelerate decarbonisation in the short and medium term. Unfortunately, in Spain the policy focus is still overwhelmingly directed toward electrification, often combined with strong support for large multi-energy companies – traditional petroleum and electricity providers.”
Tell us in a few words what Biocom Energía does and how it promotes the interests of the waste biodiesel industry.
Biocom Energía produces biodiesel using 100% waste and residue-based feedstocks, contributing directly to greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and to the circular economy. Our production model demonstrates that high environmental performance can be achieved at a lower cost for the final consumer, while maintaining full compliance with EU sustainability criteria.
Beyond production, Biocom Energía works closely with authorities and industry partners to ensure that the benefits of waste-based biodiesel are properly understood and reflected in policymaking. As a founding member and current president of EWABA Spain, we actively advocate – together with other Spanish producers – for fair market conditions, robust sustainability standards, and recognition of the role that waste-based biodiesel can play in delivering cost-effective decarbonisation.
How would you describe national policies towards waste and advanced biofuels in Spain, and how is the national implementation of REDIII progressing?
The Spanish market is currently dominated by large petroleum companies, both in legislation and in production capacity. These companies benefit from regulatory frameworks that strongly favour co-processing and HVO pathways, often at the expense of standalone biodiesel producers.
As a result, real blending of biodiesel in Spain remains very low, despite available domestic production capacity. Technology neutrality is still not fully reflected in national policies, and this creates a structural disadvantage for waste-based and advanced biodiesel producers.
Regarding REDIII, Spain is currently discussing a draft national proposal, which represents an important opportunity – but also a risk. The latest draft proposal is very ambitious in the field of advanced biofuels and RFNOs. The final implementation will be decisive. If REDIII is transposed in a way that genuinely supports technology-neutral solutions, ensures traceability, and prevents fraud, it could restore confidence in the market. However, if it continues to disproportionately favour incumbent energy players, the situation for independent biodiesel producers will remain extremely challenging.
Which role could waste-based and advanced biodiesel play in decarbonising the country, and which transport sector could benefit the most?
Waste-based and advanced biodiesel are among the most efficient and immediately deployable solutions for decarbonising road transport, offering high GHG savings at competitive cost, without requiring new vehicle fleets or infrastructure.
Road transport – especially heavy-duty transport and existing diesel fleets—stands to benefit the most. These sectors cannot be electrified overnight, and biodiesel provides a realistic, scalable solution today. However, this potential can only be realised if there is real promotion of biodiesel under technology-neutral rules, rather than policies that implicitly prioritise a single pathway.
What is your opinion on higher biofuel blends (B+) and how could they be additionally promoted via EU and national policymaking?
Higher biodiesel blends are absolutely necessary to accelerate decarbonisation in the short and medium term. Unfortunately, in Spain the policy focus is still overwhelmingly directed toward electrification, often combined with strong support for large multi-energy companies – traditional petroleum and electricity providers.
This makes it very difficult for the biodiesel industry to obtain adequate recognition or market access. EU and national policymakers should actively promote B+ blends through clear mandates, fiscal incentives, and public procurement, while ensuring vehicle compatibility standards and consumer confidence. Without this, a proven and cost-effective solution is being unnecessarily sidelined.
What is the role of EWABA Spain and how does it promote the interests of the sector?
EWABA Spain plays a critical role in representing waste-based and advanced biodiesel producers at national level. We engage with Spanish authorities, industry forums, and market stakeholders to advocate for the same fair and technology-neutral rules that already exist in other European countries, where the sector is in a much healthier position.
At the same time, EWABA Spain actively supports its “mother” association, EWABA, contributing to work on fraud prevention, supply-chain integrity, sustainability criteria, and promotion measures. This coordinated effort is essential to restore trust in the biodiesel market.
Looking ahead, how do you see the future of the waste-based biodiesel sector in Europe?
Despite the current difficulties, there is cautious optimism for the future of the sector at European level – provided that integrity, transparency, and traceability across the supply chain are fully solidified.
The future of waste-based and advanced biodiesel is integral to the survival of Europe’s domestic biodiesel supply chains, to rural development, and to economic growth across Member States. It is also fundamental for fuel security, reducing reliance on imports and exposure to oligopolistic practices in global energy markets.
Waste-based and advanced biodiesel directly support the EU’s pillar strategies of strategic autonomy, security of supply, and technology neutrality. If these principles are genuinely upheld in policy implementation, biodiesel will remain a cornerstone of Europe’s sustainable transport and energy transition.
Enrique González Torres
Director General – Managing Director
Biocom Energia
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