Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2001)241 - Quality of petrol and diesel fuels

Please note

This page contains a limited version of this dossier in the EU Monitor.

dossier COM(2001)241 - Quality of petrol and diesel fuels.
source COM(2001)241 EN
date 11-05-2001
1. introduction

The purpose of this proposal is to complete the environmental specifications for petrol and diesel fuels in accordance with Article 9 of Directive 98/70/EC i. This Directive contains fuel quality specifications which enter into force in two stages, the first on the 1st January 2000 and the second on the 1st January 2005. However, the specification for 2005 is incomplete and so must be completed as a matter of some urgency in order to provide regulatory clarity to the fuel producers and vehicle manufacturers. In preparing this proposal the Commission has also undertaken an analysis of the need to reduce further the level of sulphur in petrol and diesel below the 50 mg/kg (parts per million or ppm) level already mandated for 2005.

Contents

1.

2. background


2.

2.1. The Auto-Oil programmes


The aim of the first Auto-Oil Programme (Auto-Oil I) was to provide the technical basis for a legislative proposal on fuel quality which would take effect in the year 2000. However, when finally adopted, Directive 98/70/EC contained a full complement of environmental specifications for 2000 and a limited number for 2005 as well. The specifications for 2005 included a maximum permissible limit on the sulphur content of petrol and diesel (50 ppm) and the aromatic content of petrol (35% by volume).

The Auto-Oil II programme was launched in order to prepare the analytical basis for vehicle emissions and fuels standards for the year 2005. As explained above, the programme was overtaken, somewhat, by the political agreement on the Auto-Oil I vehicles and fuels Directives. As a consequence Auto-Oil II did not investigate the impacts of sulphur on road transport emissions (and air quality) and took as fixed the sulphur limits for petrol and diesel in 2005.

A communication outlining the results of the Auto-Oil II programme was published recently i. Air quality modelling, using predicted changes in emissions, suggests that large improvements in urban air quality can be expected by 2010, although several environmental objectives will still not be met. Among the pollutants studied, the most important remaining challenges concern particulate matter, regional tropospheric ozone levels and some localised exceedences of nitrogen dioxide targets.

3.

2.2. Council conclusions on the Auto Oil II Communication


In its Conclusions of 19 December 2000 on the Auto Oil II Communication, the Council supported the Commission's view of the need for further action on ambient levels of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and tropospheric ozone. Furthermore, the Council invited the Commission to submit proposals rapidly to confirm the fuel specifications for 2005 in Directive 98/70/EC and to encourage the progressive and harmonised introduction of fuels with the lowest possible sulphur content. The Commission was further invited to make efforts to reduce nano-particle emissions and to commence the technical work regarding the feasibility of additional vehicle emission limit values to come into force in 2010 in line with prevailing fuel specifications. In addition, the Council invited the Commission to consider the ongoing use of Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) in petrol in light of the risk assessment undertaken within the framework of Existing Substances Regulation 793/93 i.

4.

2.3. CO2/cars commitments


The auto manufacturers have made commitments to reduce the average CO2 emissions of the new car fleet to 140 g CO2 per kilometre by 2008 (European manufacturers) or 2009 (Japanese and Korean manufacturers). This is major part of the Community's strategy to reduce the fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) from new passenger cars i. The auto-manufacturers have indicated that delivery of these objectives will be linked to the introduction of new direct injection diesel and gasoline technologies. Moreover, the manufacturers are aiming for a high share of new car sales (90% in 2008) to be equipped with such technologies. The Commission fully expects the auto-manufacturers to meet their commitments which, in any event, are subject to comprehensive monitoring. This includes the joint monitoring mechanism with the manufacturing associations and the future Community monitoring system i.

5.

3. the sulphur review


Some Member States and fuel producers have indicated their intention to introduce zero sulphur fuels i to the European market. Indeed, the Commission has proposed, and the Council authorised, that Germany be allowed to incentivise their introduction in 2003 i. Moreover, more technical information has appeared concerning the performance of new fuel-efficient vehicle technologies such as lean-burn gasoline direct injection. Given these developments the Commission launched a public consultation on May 23rd 2000 regarding the level of sulphur in petrol and diesel. Many stakeholders participated and submitted evidence which was synthesised into a summary report by independent consultants and also subjected to independent peer-review i. In addition, a refining study was undertaken by Purvin & Gertz i to estimate the costs associated with the production of zero sulphur fuels. The responses to the consultation and the various reports are available on the web i.
& Diesel Fuels below 50 ppm: - A Policy Maker's Summary. George Marsh, Nikolas Hill, Jessica Sully, AEA Technology, November 2000.
& R.Ulivieri, Purvin & Gertz, November 2000.

6.

3.1. Results of the consultation exercise


Sulphur in fuels can impair the effectiveness of several existing and emerging automotive technologies such as three-way catalytic converters, oxidation catalysts, NOx Storage Traps (NSTs) and particulate traps. The way sulphur affects these devices is fully described in the AEA summary of the 'Sulphur Review'. The major conclusions of the consultation are summarised below:

7.

Petrol


EURO IV emission standards for petrol cars can be attained using fuel quality mandated for 2005 (containing a maximum 50 ppm sulphur).

Zero sulphur petrol will lead to an improvement in the fuel economy of post-2005 gasoline direct injection cars by 1-5% compared to similar vehicles using fuel containing a maximum of 50 ppm sulphur.

Zero sulphur petrol will lead to lower emissions of conventional pollutants from the existing fleet of petrol vehicles.

8.

Diesel


Some new technologies, such as NOx storage traps, may not be suitable for certain light duty diesel applications without zero sulphur diesel.

For heavy duty vehicles the review indicated that exhaust after-treatment devices will perform better and be more durable with zero sulphur diesel. In addition, it may not be possible to meet the EURO IV/V emissions standards without zero sulphur diesel.

The fuel economy of other diesel vehicle types and technologies would also improve by using zero sulphur fuels.

The use of zero sulphur diesel by the existing fleet could also lead to lower emissions of pollutants such as particulate matter.

9.

Refinery disbenefits


An increase in refinery emissions of CO2 is associated with producing zero sulphur petrol and diesel fuels. Increases of approximately 5% of current emissions or 4.6 Mt CO2 per annum are expected from 100% production of zero sulphur diesel and petrol across the Community i.
& diesel fuel.

10.

4. The introduction of zero sulphur fuels


The introduction of zero sulphur fuels forms a major element of the attached proposal. Many issues have been considered during its preparation including the costs and benefits, changes in greenhouse gas emissions, the requirement for regulatory clarity, logistical and distribution issues, the encouragement of new technology, the variations in vehicle renewal rates and the necessity to ensure the free circulation of new vehicles throughout the Community.

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4.1. Content of the proposal


12.

4.1.1. Date for the introduction of zero sulphur fuels


The proposal mandates the introduction of zero sulphur petrol and diesel fuels by no later than 1st January 2005. This is consistent with the entry into force in 2005 of the new 'EURO IV' vehicle emissions limits and the requirement of some new automotive technologies to use zero sulphur fuels in order to attain these limits. The initial quantities of zero sulphur fuels that will be required will vary between Member States according to the levels of new vehicle sales and the proportion of these vehicles equipped with the new fuel-efficient technologies. Nonetheless, it is important that zero sulphur fuels are available in sufficient quantities with a balanced geographic coverage in all Member States in order to permit the free-circulation of those new vehicles requiring zero sulphur fuels. The introduction of zero sulphur fuels in limited quantities should not, however, compromise the capacity of fuel producers to supply fuels in 2005 which comply with the mandated sulphur limit of 50 ppm.

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4.1.2. Date for full penetration of zero sulphur fuels


The optimum saving in greenhouse gas emissions is achieved by phasing the introduction of zero sulphur fuels to match the quantity of fuel actually required by new vehicles. This avoids additional costs and emissions of CO2 at the refinery. However, optimal reductions in conventional air pollutants are obtained by a full market penetration of zero sulphur fuels as early as possible. An added degree of complexity is that the reductions in conventional air pollutants are apparently greater for existing petrol vehicles than for existing diesel vehicles. Also, the fuel economy improvement of new petrol vehicles appears greater than that of new diesel vehicles.

The magnitude of the costs and additional CO2 emissions from refineries are uncertain as it is difficult to predict how refinery processing technologies will advance in the future. There are already several promising technologies for petrol desulphurisation which appear to have substantially less impact on CO2 emissions than has been assumed in the preparation of this proposal. There is also likely to be further optimisation of desulphurisation processes for diesel fuel.

Based upon the analysis of all the costs and benefits the Commission has proposed a full penetration of zero sulphur petrol by 1st January 2011. This gives a mix of conventional air quality benefits, fuel cost savings and overall CO2 emission reductions (as described later).

The smaller air quality benefits and higher refinery costs favour a phased introduction of zero sulphur diesel to satisfy the demand of new vehicle technologies. However, the current distribution infrastructure for diesel is designed for a single grade of product (unlike petrol) and so the supply and distribution of two grades may introduce additional complexity and costs to the operations of fuel producers. This is particularly so where the geographic distribution of refineries is such that individual fuel producers exchange product in order to minimise distribution costs and product movements.

On balance, it appears desirable to also set a deadline of 1st January 2011 for the full introduction of zero sulphur diesel. This gives a clear regulatory signal and limits the period where multiple grades of diesel can be marketed. However, this deadline will be reviewed at a later stage. The aim of the review will be to appraise the end date in order to prevent any overall increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The review will consider the refiners' experience in producing zero sulphur diesel (and associated increases in CO2 emissions), developments in refinery processing technologies and the impacts that these will have on costs and additional refinery emissions of greenhouse gases. Moreover, the review will consider the developments in diesel vehicle technologies, associated fuel requirements and fuel efficiency improvements.

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4.1.3. Vehicle refuelling


During the phased introduction of zero sulphur fuels it is important that new vehicles use the appropriate fuel as these vehicles will not otherwise derive a fuel economy benefit. This can be achieved by the provision of adequate labelling at the fuel dispenser as is currently the case with the advanced introduction of 50 ppm sulphur fuels. In addition, manufacturers must ensure that purchasers of new vehicles are also given adequate information. Mis-fuelling of new vehicles with a higher sulphur fuel (50 ppm) will not damage these vehicles but neither will it allow the expected fuel economy improvements to be delivered.

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4.2. Repercussions for the CO2 /cars commitments


The commitments to reduce the CO2 emissions from new cars were concluded on the basis of the fuel quality specifications contained in Directive 98/70/EC. However, the manufacturers expressed an expectation that fuels with a maximum sulphur content of 30 ppm would be available across the Community. The current proposal, if adopted, will introduce fuels which are essentially sulphur-free. The impact of these fuels in relation to the attainment of the 140 g CO2 /km target will, therefore, be taken account of in the joint monitoring mechanism. The availability of zero sulphur fuels resulting from this Directive, will also provide a basis for the Commission to explore with the automobile manufacturers additional commitments aimed at the attainment of the Community's target of 120 g/km for the average CO2 emissions of the new car fleet when the current environmental commitments with the automobile manufacturers are reviewed in 2003.

16.

5. specification for non-sulphur fuel parameters in 2005


The values for fuel parameters other than the sulphur content of petrol and diesel and the aromatics content of petrol have to be set for the 2005 specification.

17.

5.1. Effects of fuel quality on emissions


Exhaust after-treatment devices are very effective in reducing the engine emissions of both regulated and non-regulated pollutants. Their use has increased as vehicle emission standards have become more stringent and this trend is set to continue. This makes the relationship between non-sulphur fuel parameters and the levels of exhaust emissions less apparent. Even for those existing vehicles (not fitted with after-treatment systems) the benefits of reformulated fuels will decrease over time as the fleet turns over and older vehicles are replaced by newer lower emitting versions.

Moreover, most of the reported information on the impact of fuel quality on exhaust emissions relates to EURO II vehicles. By 2005 many of these vehicles will have been replaced by newer models and so it is not clear that the same relationships between fuel quality and emissions will apply. In addition, as the sulphur content of petrol and diesel is further reduced to below 10 ppm the efficiency of catalytic devices will be further enhanced and the relationship between fuel quality and exhaust emissions may change even further.

18.

5.1.1. PAH content of diesel fuel


There has been concern over human exposure to Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air. Diesel vehicle exhaust is known to contain PAHs and attention has focussed, therefore, on the levels of PAHs in diesel fuel. The relationship between the PAHs in diesel fuel and in the exhaust gases was not studied in the EPEFE i programme. However, a review of the available literature regarding fuel quality and PAH emissions has been published by CONCAWE i. Several studies have demonstrated that PAHs are formed during the combustion process ("pyrosynthesis").
& ACEA.

Emissions testing in heavy-duty engines showed that fuels containing low levels of PAHs produced similar emissions of PAHs compared to high PAH containing fuels when other fuel parameters were left unchanged i. Other studies i comparing a reference diesel fuel (based upon EN 590) and a Swedish Class I diesel fuel have shown apparently larger contributions from fuel-borne PAHs based upon the total mass of PAHs emitted. However, fuel parameters other than the PAH content were also changed significantly. The CONCAWE report also describes the positive impact of after treatment technologies. These can reduce the emissions of PAHs from diesel engines by between 60-80% even with fuels containing 0.05% sulphur.
& 'The effects on on the exhaust emissions of changing to a low aromatic, low PAC and low sulphur diesel fuel'. Report No. MTC 9517. Haininge, Sweden: AB Svensk Bilprovning Motortestcenter.

The Commission intends to bring forward a proposal for legislation setting limits for PAHs in ambient air in 2001. The limit values and time period for their attainment have yet to be decided but these may have implications for those source sectors which emit PAHs to air. Current emissions inventories estimate that road transport will contribute less than 10% of total emissions of PAHs in 2010 i.

19.

5.2. CO2 emissions at refineries


Changes to the fuel parameters may require additional processing which may result in additional CO2 emissions at the refinery. These effects have been quantified by Bechtel as part of the Auto-Oil II Programme i. For example, a reduction in the content of PAHs requires more severe processing (at higher temperatures and pressures) than that required to reduce the sulphur content to 10 ppm. This could substantially increase refinery CO2 emissions and reduce the benefits from the introduction of zero sulphur fuels in the short to medium term. The CO2 emissions penalty associated with producing 10 ppm sulphur diesel has been estimated at 1.5 Mtonnes i. According to Bechtel a reduction of the PAH content to a market average of 3% would result in a penalty of 1.1 Mtonnes CO2. If the density of diesel is also reduced to 825 kg/m³ this penalty rises to 3.1 Mtonnes of CO2.
& diesel fuel at: www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/sulphur/index

20.

5.3. Conclusion (non-sulphur fuel quality parameters)


Given the increased use of catalytic after-treatment systems, it is likely that zero sulphur fuels will have a greater impact on vehicle emissions than changes to the non-sulphur fuel parameters. The Commission has not, therefore, proposed any changes to the non-sulphur fuel parameters currently stated in Annexes I & II of Directive 98/70/EC. However, the aromatics content of petrol (35% v/v) and the maximum sulphur content of petrol (50 ppm) and diesel (50 ppm) shall take the values already stipulated in Annexes III and IV of Directive 98/70/EC. Naturally, the limits for these non-sulphur parameters will be kept under review within the framework of the Community's policies on air quality and in the development of stricter emissions limits for light and heavy duty vehicles.

21.

6. MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether)


22.

6.1. Background and use of MTBE


MTBE is a chemical containing oxygen that is blended into petrol primarily to boost the octane rating. This allows other high-octane gasoline components such as benzene and aromatics to be substituted. However, MTBE is readily soluble in water and has a pungent odour and taste that can render water undrinkable at concentrations that do not pose any risk to human health. Leakage of petrol from underground storage tanks or spillage at service stations can lead to the contamination of ground water as the MTBE permeates through the soil. Such contamination has been observed in the USA where steps are being taken to phase out its use. In the US, the use of a minimum amount of MTBE in gasoline has been mandated for several years. Consumption in Europe has been lower as the use of MTBE in petrol is not mandated but permitted subject to a maximum content. However, consumption may increase as refiners adjust to the new aromatics specification of petrol that enters into force from 1st January 2005.

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6.2. Risk Assessment under the existing substances Regulation


The risks of MTBE to man and the environment have been assessed under Council Regulation (EEC) 793/93 i. As a preliminary conclusion, the risk assessment identified a need for specific measures to limit the risks in relation to the aesthetic quality of ground water. The Commission shall now submit to the Regulatory Committee referred to in Article 15 of Regulation 793/93 a proposal concerning the results of the risk evaluation and a recommendation for an appropriate strategy to limit those risks. The Commission Recommendation on MTBE will in principle be adopted in 2001 and published in the Official Journal.

24.

6.3. Community legislation on groundwater protection


There are two main pieces of Community legislation aimed at protecting the quality of groundwater. The first is Directive 80/68/EEC i on the protection of groundwater and the second is the recently adopted water quality framework Directive 2000/60/EC i which will ultimately replace the former. Articles 3 and 5 of Directive 80/68/EEC oblige the Member States to take the necessary steps to prevent the introduction into groundwater of 'List I' substances such as mineral oils and hydrocarbons. In addition, Members States are obliged to limit the introduction of 'List II' substances such as those which have a deleterious effect on the taste and odour of groundwater. The water framework Directive is based upon the same principle of prevention but is more comprehensive. The Member States are obliged to:

(i) implement the necessary measures to prevent or limit the input of pollutants into groundwater and prevent the deterioration of groundwater status;

(ii) protect, enhance and restore all bodies of groundwater with the aim of achieving good groundwater status within 15 years and,

(iii) implement the necessary measures to reverse any significant and sustained upward trend in groundwater pollution arising from human activity.

Furthermore, for each river basin district the Member States will have to review the impact of human activity on the groundwater status and establish groundwater monitoring programmes.

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6.4. Content of proposal regarding MTBE


Although MTBE has been found in groundwater in certain Member States, the Commission is not of the opinion that such contamination is widespread across the Community. Moreover, a recent study conducted by AD Little i confirmed that such contamination is unlikely if standards governing the construction and operation of underground storage tanks at service stations are robustly enforced.

In addition, Directive 98/70/EC is a harmonising Directive, based upon Article 95 of the Treaty, which aims to ensure the correct functioning of the internal market. Moreover, the Directive prevents Member States from restricting the sale of petrol or diesel which comply with the specifications that the Directive contains. On balance, therefore, the Commission considers that measures intended to protect groundwater from contamination by MTBE are best considered within the water framework Directive.

Accordingly, the Commission has not proposed any amendment to Directive 98/70/EC in respect of the MTBE content of petrol. This does not, however, affect the prerogative of Member States to request stricter environmental specifications according to the provisions of Articles 95 i and 95 i of the Treaty. The Commission fully expects that those marketing petrol and diesel will recognise their obligations and potential liability for MTBE contamination of groundwater and take appropriate preventive measures. The Commission will of course keep this issue under review in light of additional water quality monitoring and groundwater assessments undertaken within the context of the water framework Directive and propose any measures as may be appropriate.

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7. fuels for non-road mobile machinery


The exhaust emissions from engines installed in non-road mobile machinery and agricultural tractors are regulated by Directive 97/68/EC i and Directive 74/150/EEC i respectively. Heating oil has been widely used by these vehicles in the past. The maximum permissible sulphur content of heating oil (gas oil) was originally contained in Directive 93/12/EC i, which was subsequently amended by Directive 1999/32/EC i. Fuels used by non-road mobile machinery were originally included in Directive 93/12/EC but explicitly excluded from Directive 1999/32/EC. The wording of Article 2 of Directive 98/70/EC can be interpreted so as to permit (but not mandate) alternatives for the maximum sulphur content of fuels used by non-road mobile machinery and agricultural tractors. This can be either the sulphur content of diesel fuels stated in Directive 98/70/EC or the previous sulphur content of diesel fuel stated in Directive 93/12/EC. As Directive 93/12/EC has largely been repealed there is in fact further uncertainty regarding the meaning of this reference.

In summary, there is uncertainty regarding the permissible sulphur content of fuels used by non-road mobile machinery and agricultural tractors. The current proposal seeks to clarify the intent of previous provisions. No new provisions are proposed. Hence, the proposal defines an absolute maximum sulphur content of 0.2% (m/m) reducing to 0.1% (m/m) in 2008 (in line with the provisions on heating oil). In addition, Member States may use alternative maxima of 500 ppm or the sulphur limits for diesel fuels contained in Directive 98/70/EC. In the longer term a further reduction of the sulphur content of non-road fuels may be required to allow the attainment of more stringent engine emissions standards which may be developed within the context of Directive 97/68/EC. The Commission is currently looking at this issue.

8. Emerging issues & future review

In addition, to the review of the deadline for the full introduction of zero sulphur diesel, several other emerging issues may also have implications for fuel quality standards. In its conclusions on the Commission's Communication on the Auto-oil II Programme the Council raised concerns over vehicular emissions of particulate matter and in particular the effects on health of nano-sized particles. Moreover, the Council asked the Commission to commence the technical work to underpin a further set of vehicle emission standards for introduction in 2010.

In parallel the Commission is undertaking a review of the technical feasibility of the Euro IV/IV+ emissions standards for heavy-duty engines and is preparing for a review of the Directives setting Community air quality objectives. In addition, the Commission will also bring forward a proposal in 2001 for legislation setting air quality limit values for Poly-Aromatic Hydrocarbons in ambient air. Finally, it is expected that the use of renewable fuels will grow in response to the challenge of climate change. All of these may have implications for fuel quality standards which should, therefore, be kept under review. The Commission plans to complete such a review no later than 31st December 2006.

9. Costs & benefits of the Commission's proposal

As no changes are proposed to the non-sulphur fuel parameters the analysis of costs and benefits necessarily focuses on the introduction of zero sulphur petrol and diesel fuels. The analysis estimated the additional costs of refining zero sulphur fuels and the value of the potential fuel cost savings and air quality improvements. These arise from the improved fuel economy of EURO IV vehicles and the reduced levels of pollution emitted by the existing fleet of vehicles. No attempt was made to monetise the benefits of reduced emissions of carbon dioxide nor to estimate potential reductions in emissions of other greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide.

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9.1. Costs of introducing zero sulphur fuels


The costs of lowering the sulphur content from 50 ppm to around 10 ppm are the additional investment and operational costs at refineries. Several Member States and the European Petroleum Industry Associations (EUROPIA/ CONCAWE) have provided costs associated with the production of zero sulphur fuels. These are described in the Summary report from the Sulphur Review. EUROPIA estimated Net Present Value costs of EUR11.5 billion using a discount rate of 7% and a plant life of 15 years. This equates to EURcents 0.35 per litre for 10 ppm sulphur petrol and EURcents 0.56 per litre for 10 ppm sulphur diesel based upon 1995 consumption figures. These costs are very similar to other estimates submitted to the Sulphur Review which ranged from EURcents 0-0.35 per litre for zero sulphur petrol and EURcents 0.18-0.67 per litre for zero sulphur diesel.

DG Environment commissioned an independent report from consultants Purvin & Gertz on the costs to refiners of producing zero sulphur fuels. This independent estimate is based upon an analysis of the investment requirements and operational changes required to move from a 50 ppm sulphur petrol and diesel baseline which is already mandated in Directive 98/70/EC. The Table below indicates the range of costs that they identified. These are similar to those estimates submitted to the Sulphur Review. The main driver of cost difference between North and South EU is the quality of the crude oil (in particular the sulphur content) that the refineries are currently configured to process. This analysis may be overly conservative as as information from fuel companies shows that the fuel mix is progressively converging.

28.

Additional costs of refining (EURcents per litre) used in this analysis


>TABLE POSITION>

The analysis from Purvin & Gertz is based upon 'yardstick' catalytic cracking refineries which represent approximately 75% of refining capacity in Europe. These yardstick refineries aim to represent competitive refining capacity in the North and Southern EU regions in terms of refinery yields and operating costs. Costs are expected to be highest for these catalytic cracking refineries rather than, for example, hydrocracking refinery configurations which are already capable of producing very low sulphur petrol and diesel fuels. In addition, the Purvin & Gertz study assumed a complete switch to zero sulphur fuel production in 2008. If a phased introduction is implemented then investment costs are likely to be lower. This is because new technologies currently under development are likely to make further progress towards market utilisation. Furthermore, refiners can, at least initially, selectively desulphurise some fuel components whilst leaving others unchanged for blending into 50 ppm sulphur fuels.

Additional costs associated with the distribution of zero sulphur fuels have not been addressed. These may be more significant for diesel than for petrol where historically several grades have been marketed in parallel. The impact for diesel will be different in different countries according to the method of distribution (pipeline, road etc.) and the exchange agreements between different fuel producers. These costs are therefore difficult to estimate. The UK Petroleum Industries Association has reported that distribution by pipeline could result in more contaminated interface material which would require reprocessing. This could increase costs by an equivalent of 0.07 EURcents per litre. In terms of forecourt dispensing facilities there should be few costs for distributing zero sulphur petrol. However, for diesel UK PIA has indicated that additional dispensers would cost in the region of EUR16k per service station. It is, however, unlikely that every service station would market all grades of fuel simultaneously but would switch progressively as the rate of penetration of zero sulphur diesel increased.

In the summary presented below, costs are presented for the EU. These have been calculated according to the amount of zero sulphur petrol and diesel produced multiplied by the average price premium estimated by Purvin & Gertz.

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9.2. Benefits of introducing zero sulphur fuels


The overall benefits of the proposal are derived from the sum of the reduced fuel costs for the consumer, reduced emissions of conventional air pollutants and the additional refinery costs associated with producing the required amounts of zero sulphur fuels. Benefits from reduced emissions of CO2 have not been monetized. It has been estimated that the use of zero sulphur fuel would decrease the fuel consumption of EURO IV petrol vehicles by an average of 3% and around 2% for diesel vehicles. Fuel consumption of pre EURO IV vehicles is assumed to be unaffected and that emissions of conventional pollutants from new EURO IV vehicles are also unaffected ("The Homologation Effect"). However, there may be a further tightening of vehicle emission standards in 2010 which will take account of the availability of zero sulphur fuels. These potential benefits have not been estimated.

Pollutant emissions from existing petrol vehicles have been assumed to reduce by 10% when using petrol containing 10 ppm of sulphur. The corresponding reduction in the emissions of particulate matter from existing diesel vehicles has been estimated at 5%. All of these estimates are relative to vehicles using fuels containing a maximum of 50 ppm of sulphur. The refinery costs of producing a given quantity of fuel are calculated on a pro-rata basis from the costs of producing 100% zero sulphur fuels.

30.

Summary of Costs, benefits and emissions reductions


>TABLE POSITION>

The reductions in conventional pollutants have a direct benefit on human health and the environment. These benefits can be converted into monetary form by attaching a simple benefit per tonne to each tonne of pollutant reduced based on estimates produced under the DG RTD EXTERNE programme. The national implementation reports for EXTERNE i provide figures by Member State for damage costs per tonne of pollutant emitted for NOx and particulate matter. The costs and benefits are summarised in the table above. The net present value of the benefits over the period 2005 to 2020 using a 4% discount rate is approximately EUR1.1 billion.

31.

9.3. Net emissions of CO2


There are net reductions in the emissions of CO2 both during the Kyoto accounting period and over the whole period 2008-2020 as depicted in the table below. The additional CO2 emissions from European refineries have been calculated as a proportion of total additional refinery CO2 emissions associated with a complete switch to zero sulphur fuel production estimated by CONCAWE/EUROPIA as approximately 5 Mt of CO2. These increases are smaller than the reductions in emissions from the new vehicle fleet.

32.

Summary of CO2 emission changes (based on EU-9)


>TABLE POSITION>

33.

10. content of the proposal


34.

10.1. Article 1


This Article details each of the proposed amendments to Directive 98/70/EC.

This Article introduces a definition into Directive 98/70/EC for those fuels (diesel and gas oils) which are used in non-road mobile machinery and agricultural tractors.

Article 3 of Directive 98/70/EC is amended so as to mandate the introduction and availability of zero sulphur petrol (less than 10 ppm) in each Member State by no later than 1st January 2005. By 1st January 2011 all petrol sold must comply with a maximum sulphur content of 10 mg/kg (ppm).

Article 4 of Directive 98/70/EC is modified so as to mandate the introduction and availability of zero sulphur diesel (less than 10 ppm) in each Member State by no later than 1st January 2005. By 1st January 2011 all diesel fuel sold must comply with a maximum sulphur content of 10 mg/kg (ppm). This end date will be subject of a review to be performed by 31st December 2006. In addition, this Article is modified so as to consolidate the various provisions relating to the sulphur content of gas oils used by non-road mobile machinery and agricultural tractors.

Article 8 of Directive 98/70/EC is amended so as to place an obligation on the Member States to implement a fuel quality monitoring system and to report fuel quality monitoring data in line with the provisions of a new CEN standard currently being developed. Member States are permitted to use alternative fuel quality monitoring systems so long as they produce results of comparable certainty.

Article 9 of Directive 98/70/EC is updated and obliges the Commission to complete a review of the fuel specifications by 31 December 2006. This includes an obligation to review the end date whereby all diesel sold must be zero sulphur in order to ensure that there is no overall increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

A new Article 9a is added to Directive 98/70/EC which obliges the Member States to establish a system of penalties and fines applicable to breaches of national provisions.

Article 10 of Directive 98/70/EC is modified so as to simplify the adaptation to technical progress of the measurement methods used to demonstrate compliance with the fuel specifications. The proposed text makes direct reference to the methods stated in the relevant CEN Normes (EN 590 and EN 228) rather than stating them explicitly in the Directive. However, there are safeguards such that a change to a test method proposed by CEN is only binding on the Member States if the change results in a more accurate and more precise method. In parallel, it is intended that EN 228 and EN590 will also be amended so that changes to measurement methods will only be adopted if the change results in a more accurate and more precise method. The Comitology procedure in the Directive is however, maintained for use in exceptional circumstances though the provisions of Article 11 of Directive 98/70/EC have been amended to take account of Council Decision 1999/468/EC i of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission.

The Annexes I to IV of Directive 98/70/EC are replaced by new annexes in this proposal.

35.

10.2. Article 2


This Article concerns the obligations on the Member States to transpose this proposed Directive.

36.

10.3. Article 3


Article 3 concerns the date of entry into force of the current Directive.

37.

10.4. Article 4


Article 4 addresses the proposed Directive to the Member States.

38.

10.5. Annex I


This contains the specification for unleaded petrol which entered into force on 1st January 2000. The explicit listing of the test methods has been replaced by a reference to the methods specified in EN 228. The summer period and the vapour pressure applying during the summer period have been clarified in line with EN 228.

39.

10.6. Annex II


This contains the specification for diesel which entered into force on 1st January 2000. The explicit listing of the test methods has been replaced by a reference to the methods specified in EN 590.

40.

10.7. Annex III


This contains the specification for unleaded petrol which enters into force on 1st January 2005. The values apart from sulphur and aromatics content are unchanged from those introduced from 1st January 2000 (Annex I). The explicit listing of the test methods has been replaced by a reference to the methods specified in EN 228. The summer period and the vapour pressure applying during the summer period have been clarified in line with EN 228. The exceptions for regular unleaded petrol have been removed as this product constitutes such a small proportion of the Community market for petrol.

41.

10.8. Annex IV


This contains the specification for diesel which enters into force on 1st January 2005. The fuel parameters are unchanged from those in Annex II (except for sulphur which has already been decided). The explicit listing of the test methods has been replaced by a reference to the methods specified in EN 590.

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11. Views of member states and stakeholders


During the preparation of the current proposal the Commission launched a public consultation on the need to reduce the sulphur content of petrol and diesel. All stakeholders were contacted and views were received from associations representing the Petroleum industry, the vehicle manufacturing industry, vehicle emission control equipment and engine manufacturers. In addition, information was received from individual companies and from several Member States. Furthermore, two meetings have been held to discuss this proposal with Member States and stakeholders whose views are summarised below.

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ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Européens d' Automobiles)


The European automobile manufacturers (ACEA) supported an introduction of zero sulphur fuels in 2005 in order to coincide with the introduction of new emissions limits for all vehicle types (EURO IV). ACEA has stated that new type-approval emissions limits for heavy duty vehicles and some light duty diesel vehicles might not be attained without zero sulphur diesel. ACEA also wishes to see the non-sulphur fuel parameters modified to reflect the specifications in the World Wide Fuel Charter.

EUROPIA/CONCAWE (European Petroleum Industries Association & Oil Companies' Health, Safety and Environment Organisation).

The oil industry associations expressed reservations regarding the uncertainty of the benefits in using zero sulphur fuels, but accepted that in principle the phased introduction was the right approach. In relation to the other fuel parameters EUROPIA/CONCAWE concluded that the environmental justification for modifying the current values was weak as demonstrated by the Auto-Oil II programme. In addition, CONCAWE has indicated that MTBE is a useful compound that gives refiners added flexibility when meeting the required environmental specifications.

AECC (Association of Emission Control Catalysts).

The AECC also supported the introduction of zero sulphur fuels in 2005 followed by a full introduction in 2007.

European Federation for Transport & Environment (T & E)

T & E supported the phase-in of zero sulphur fuels in 2005 but preferred an earlier date when all fuel sold would be zero sulphur (2007/8).

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Member States


There is a clear majority of Member States in favour of the phased introduction of zero sulphur fuels. Only a limited number of Member States expressed a desire for changes to the other fuel quality parameters, primarily those for diesel fuel. Denmark has expressed particular concern over the use of MTBE in petrol but most other Member States do not see its continued use as posing a significant risk for the contamination of groundwater.