Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1185 sets the minimum greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions savings threshold for recycled carbon fuels (RCFs) under the Renewable Energy Directive. It complements the RFNBO methodology and ensures only fuels with meaningful climate benefits count towards renewable targets. Adopted in June 2023, it sets a harmonised benchmark for GHG performance of synthetic fuels using non-renewable feedstocks.
It sets out rules on:
- GHG emissions calculation methodologies for RCFs
- Minimum GHG savings threshold for RCFs to qualify under EU law (at least 70%)
- Certification requirements and compliance verification
- Differentiation from RFNBOs and biofuels in the RED framework
This delegated act applies to fuels derived from non-renewable waste gases, such as industrial CO or hydrogen from fossil sources with carbon capture.
It clarifies which products qualify under the RED framework. It defines emissions thresholds that influence eligibility for subsidies, inclusion in renewable quotas, and access to green trading platforms. Stakeholders must ensure fuel origin and production pathways meet EU lifecycle performance criteria, affecting contract structure and price.