Web exclusive posted Oct. 25, 2007, at 2:12 p.m. CDT

Eight biodiesel manufacturers in the Netherlands are leading the push for the European Union (EU) member to climb to the top of the list of biodiesel producers in the union. The Netherlands Biodiesel Industry Association (VNBI) says its goal is to become one of the EU’s top producers within two years.

According to a VNBI press release, the group hopes to produce a combined 1.5 million tons (410 MMgy) of biodiesel annually and replace at least 10 percent of petroleum diesel as early as 2009.

By forming the VNBI, member companies hope to generate political support for biodiesel and forge an alliance with government, oil companies and environmental groups to find a balance between petroleum and biodiesel.