Bioethanol and biomethanol: how EREs work

Establish the origin first

Bioethanol is ethanol made from biomass. Biomethanol is methanol made from biomass. Both follow the rules for liquid biofuels. Each has its own energy content and calculation, so one litre of either fuel does not generate the same number of EREs.

Bioethanol from maize, wheat or sugar beet generally falls under ERE-C. Ethanol from an eligible Annex IX-A feedstock, such as straw, can qualify for ERE-G. Biomethanol from an advanced waste or residue feedstock can also generate ERE-G. Other feedstocks require their own assessment.

Calling a material 'waste' is insufficient. Use the feedstock description on the sustainability evidence and check its category. If feedstocks are mixed, the records must track the different shares.

Biomethanol and e-methanol

E-methanol can be made using renewable hydrogen and a carbon source. If it meets the European RFNBO requirements, ERE-R applies. This requires proof of renewability. Biomethanol follows the biofuel route with a proof of sustainability, or PoS.

Both products may be sold as 'green methanol'. Ask the supplier for the production route and the relevant certificate. The commercial description is too broad to support a booking. See e-fuels and ERE-R.

Supply and evidence

The authorised booking party must substantiate supply to the Dutch destination. For liquid biofuels, this includes excise records, site certification, a mass balance and a PoS. For a blend, only the proven biogenic share counts.

Non-standard fuels have additional evidence requirements. For land deliveries, the NEa specifies an invoice and proof of payment with a delivery address, among other requirements. The usual ABC collection arrangement for standard fuels cannot be used. Agree the delivery arrangement in advance.

The renewable share also matters for derived petrol components. The NEa lists 33% for bio-ETBE and 22% for bio-MTBE. Treating the full quantity as biofuel would overstate the claim.

The destination limits eligibility

In 2026, conventional biofuels cannot be booked for inland shipping. Maritime shipping permits only G and O. Biomethanol supplied to a seagoing vessel must therefore also have a feedstock that fits those categories.

The number of EREs follows from the energy supplied and lifecycle emissions on the PoS, after any applicable feedstock factors. Before agreeing a price, check the quantity, feedstock, emissions value and sector together. A price per litre without those details says little about the potential ERE proceeds.