The 2010 target will be back up to 6.25% and remain fixed at that level until 2014. The quotas will be reviewed in 2011, with a particular focus on the sustainability of biofuels, the BMU said.

The government is now also allowing biomethane to be included under the quote, if its production process yields a favorable environmental balance.

Germany is also reducing the planned tax increase on biodiesel by €0.03, to €0.18 per liter, instead of €0.21 per liter, beginning in January 2009.