The role of sustainable biofuels in the transition from a fossil-based economy to carbon neutrality has been the subject of intense and often misinformed debate over the last few years. Lately, however, there has been cause for optimism that Europe could move to a more constructive discussion. Consider a couple of recent signs that European policymakers are waking up to what their counterparts around the world already know: that renewable ethanol offers strategic advantages for energy independence, food security, and the fight against climate change.One such development is a declaration by the G7 group of leading economic nations—a statement co-signed by EU leaders—asserting that sustainable biofuels have a vital role to play in transport decarbonization. This was a welcome turnaround from recent efforts to downplay the proven ability of biofuels to reduce GHG emissions in transport.&nbsp;Another positive signal was a European Court of Auditors report calling into question the current EU strategy of betting everything on electric vehicles as the way to decarbonize road transport—and phasing out all other options. The EU’s main auditing institution found that Europe’s ambitions to rely on electric vehicles for road transport leave it vulnerable to long-term dependency on China and the U.S. for battery technology, and threaten its ability to meet goals for reducing CO2 emissions from cars. In other words, the consequences of banning new sales of internal combustion engine cars after 2035, without making allowances for cars that could run on carbon-neutral liquid fuels, are potentially serious.To be sure, there are still problems with the EU’s political approach to biofuels. Some EU countries, most recently Sweden, have decided to curtail biofuels blending obligations in a misguided effort to reduce fuel prices and, thus, risk missing their climate targets. More generally troubling is the EU’s inconsistent approach to biofuels among various pieces of climate change legislation: the so-called Fit for 55 package. While the Renewable Energy Directive revision confirms that sustainable crop-based biofuels have a role to play, other legislation on energy taxation, aviation and maritime actively discourage their use.The solution for the EU, of course, is to be more inclusive and technology-open on all of these fronts. This is especially true considering the strategic importance of EU renewable ethanol production, for producing more than just fuel. Ethanol biorefineries across the EU contribute to several European strategic objectives, including:&nbsp; • Climate change mitigation: Biofuels continue to be the main renewable energy in transport and a proven solution for reducing emissions from cars. According to the latest data, renewable ethanol produced by ePURE members reduced GHG emissions by more than 78% compared to fossil fuel—and is getting closer to carbon-neutrality every year.&nbsp; • Energy independence: Domestic production of renewable ethanol helps reduce the EU’s dependence on imported fossil fuel. EU policies that unfairly hamper the use of sustainable biofuels such as ethanol are, by definition, opening the door to more fossil oil. • Food security: The “food vs. fuel” argument reared its head again in 2022, but once again has been shown to be a complete myth. In fact, EU biorefineries produced more food and animal feed than fuel in 2022, helping reduce the EU’s need to import protein.&nbsp; • Strategic autonomy: Domestic ethanol production also creates other beneficial products, including biogenic CO2 that is essential to ensure supply. It’s clear Europe still needs more than one solution to achieve meaningful transport de-fossilization. Sticking to a one-size-fits-all EV strategy is destined to disappoint. Let’s hope European policymakers recognize this reality and take a more inclusive approach.&nbsp;&nbsp;Author: David Carpintero Director General, ePURE,&nbsp; the European Renewable&nbsp; Ethanol Association <a href="mailto:carpintero@epure.org">carpintero@epure.org</a>&nbsp;Published in the 2023 September issue of Ethanol Producer Magazine &nbsp;

thumbnail_David-Carpintero.jpg

David-Carpintero.jpg

The role of biofuels in the transition from a fossil-based economy to carbon neutrality has been the subject of intense and often misinformed debate, but optimism is growing that Europe could soon move to a more constructive discussion. 

Is the EU Waking Up to the Strategic Importance of Ethanol?

Upcoming Events

National Carbon Capture Conference & Expo

2024 International Biomass Conference & Expo

2024 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo

Biodiesel Summit: Sustainable Aviation Fuel & Renewable Diesel

Carbon Capture & Storage Summit

Is the EU Waking Up to the Strategic Importance of Ethanol?.css-7jxktu{position:absolute;bottom:0px;left:0px;right:0px;height:3px;border-radius:3px;background-color:var(--chakra-colors-brandBlack);}

Upcoming Events

National Carbon Capture Conference & Expo

2024 International Biomass Conference & Expo

2024 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo

Biodiesel Summit: Sustainable Aviation Fuel & Renewable Diesel

Carbon Capture & Storage Summit

Is the EU Waking Up to the Strategic Importance of Ethanol?