POLICY

Politics and lobbying are inextricably linked. Without political decision-making, there is no legal basis for important issues such as climate protection. At the same time, it is important that the voices and needs of the affected industries are heard. As an association, we represent the interests of our industry vis-à-vis politicians, authorities and other associations.

• 2007: Foundation of Biofuels Switzerland, SKR projects bioethanol + biodiesel

• 2008: Tax relief for biofuels

• 2008 to 2012: 1st crediting period

• 1.1.2013: CO₂ Act enters into force / KliK Foundation established

• 2014 to 2020: 2nd crediting period

• 2018: Parliament sinks total revision of CO₂ Act

• 2021 to 2030: 3rd crediting period

• 2021: People reject total revision of CO₂ Act

• 2021: Parliament extends existing measures until 31.12.2024

• From 2022: Revision of the existing CO₂ Act

• 2025: Revised CO₂ Act comes into force (expected)

Within the framework of the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Climate Agreement, Switzerland has committed itself to reducing CO₂ emissions by 50 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. Parliament is having a hard time with the revision of the CO₂ Act. After the popular "no" to the total revision of the CO₂ Act in June 2021, a moderate revision is now up for discussion. Incentives instead of new taxes and levies are the premise. If parliament sticks to the Federal Council's timetable, the revised law will enter into force on 1 January 2025.

With the revised CO₂ Act, Switzerland is aligning itself with the European standard in terms of the social and ecological criteria for sustainable renewable fuels. Thus, fuel importers will in future have the choice between tax-exempt renewable fuels according to the previous criteria (Swiss Finish) or mass-balanced renewable fuels without tax relief according to the European standard.

In Switzerland, the principle applies that plants are used first as food, then as animal feed and only last as fuel. Under the current funding conditions, the arable production of biogenic fuels will hardly ever play a role in Switzerland. The focus will be on renewable fuels from biogenic wastes and residues. Moreover, the Swiss Finish imposes additional social and ecological requirements compared to the EU. Furthermore, the Swiss Federal Office of Energy SFOE adheres to the principle that the use of biomass for energy purposes must not lead to direct or indirect displacement effects on food production or biodiversity, either in Switzerland or abroad.

The KliK Foundation is committed to implementing this compensation obligation. It is a compensation association that supports projects to reduce greenhouse gases.

Liquid biofuels still offer the greatest CO₂ savings potential. They are effective immediately and without any loss of comfort in any vehicle with an internal combustion engine. Today, drivers and transporters save around half a million tonnes of CO₂ per year.

2013 - 2024

In the period from 2013 to 2024, incentives will be provided to promote climate protection in Switzerland. These include fines for non-compensated CO₂ emissions and tax relief for sustainable biofuels. In addition, the KliK subsidy and incentive model will be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

From 2025

In 2025, the revised CO₂ Act is expected to come into force and will enable convergence with the European RED II directive for advanced biofuels. With the introduction of mass balancing and the transfer obligation, it will be possible to simplify the trade in biofuels. Furthermore, international certification systems such as ISCC, REDCert and RSB will be recognised.

There will be no obligation to transfer renewable fuels, as originally proposed by the Federal Council, for cost reasons. The revised CO₂ Act should not lead to any additional costs for consumers.