Photo: UPM Biofuels
February 7, 2019
BY UPM Kymmene Corp.
The Finnish Parliament approved a law Feb. 6 that sets a gradually increasing 30 percent biofuels target for 2030. Furthermore, the law sets a world-leading advanced biofuels target of 10 percent in 2030.
UPM welcomes the Finnish government’s ambition to take transport decarbonization seriously.
“UPM is a leading producer of advanced biofuels as defined by the EU Renewable Energy Directive, and we consider this move by Finland as a bold step forward in setting concrete measures for transport decarbonization," said Sari Mannonen, vice president of UPM Biofuels.
UPM produces wood-based UPM BioVerno renewable diesel at the Lappeenranta Biorefinery in Finland. UPM is also studying opportunities for growth in the biofuels industry and has recently concluded an environmental impact assessment for a potential 500,000 ton-per-year biorefinery in Kotka, Finland.
Advertisement
“We salute the decision by the Finnish Parliament and welcome the fact that many other countries, such as Sweden and Norway, are also walking the talk on climate change mitigation in the transport sector,” said Marko Janhunen, director of public affairs for UPM. “Transport decarbonization requires utilization of the whole toolbox—we need all financially and technologically feasible means, from sustainable biofuels to electrification and engine efficiency improvements to be deployed.”
Advertisement
As of July 2025, California’s SCFS requires renewable fuel producers using specified source feedstocks to secure attestation letters reaching back to the point of origin. This marks a significant shift in compliance expectations.
The public comment period on the U.S. EPA’s proposed rule to set 2026 and 2027 RFS RVOs and revise RFS regulations closed Aug. 8. Biofuel groups have largely expressed support for the proposal but also outlined several ways to improve the rulemaking.
The U.S. renewable fuels industry on Aug. 8 celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard. Federal lawmakers also marked the occasion with resolutions introduced in the House and Senate earlier this month.
Iowa farmers have a new market opportunity for their 2025 soybean crop. Landus is expanding its Clean Fuel Regulation initiative, made possible by recent policy changes expected to increase Canada's demand for liquid biofuel.
Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Jerry Moran, R-Kan., on July 31 announced the introduction of the Ag BIO Act. The legislation aims to update the USDA’s loan guarantee program to better support biorefining projects.