Public Debate – Beyond Electrification: Balancing Complexity and Flexibility in the EU’s Sustainable Fuels Policies
March 4 @ 15:00 - 16:30
This is an in person event. “Important! Online participation is only allowed for attendees located outside Brussels”
While electrification is a pivotal component of the European Union’s decarbonization strategy, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Hard-to-electrify sectors—such as aviation, maritime shipping, and certain industrial processes—require complementary approaches to achieve full decarbonization. This debate aims to critically assess the limitations of an electrification-only approach, explore the complementary role of sustainable fuels, and promote a balanced policy framework that supports a diversified energy mix.
The denate will delve into the diverse applications of biofuels, synthetic fuels, and hydrogen across different sectors, examining their potential to bridge the decarbonization gap where electrification faces technical or economic barriers. Special attention will be given to developing sector-specific solutions, particularly for aviation, maritime shipping, and heavy industry, where unique operational requirements demand tailored approaches to emissions reduction.
The discussion will also address the importance of implementing technology-neutral policies and incentives to promote sustainable fuels, ensuring market competition and accelerating innovation across all viable decarbonization pathways.
