The World Bioenergy Association (WBA) has launched the 2024 edition of its annual flagship publication the Global Bioenergy Statistics Report, a valuable resource that provides insight into the intricate dynamics of the global bioenergy landscape. According to WBA, growth in bioenergy demonstrates its versatility and critical role across sectors.
The 2024 Global Bioenergy Statistics Report, the 11th edition of the annual report, offers more than just updated data—it also features a redesigned structure, including new sections on emerging technologies such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), along with socio-economic updates on job creation and investment.
This year’s version also integrates region and country-specific updates, illustrating real-world applications and impacts across continents.
In this year’s report, we have showcased bioenergy’s significant role in driving the energy transition across different sectors. To fully harness its potential, more ambitious policy frameworks are needed to allow bioenergy to maximize its impact and align more effectively with climate and energy targets, commented Alejandra Leon, Project Officer at WBA and main author of the 2024 WBA Global Bioenergy Statistics.
The 2024 edition offers a detailed look at the latest trends and bioenergy’s critical role in the global renewable energy shift.
Key highlights from WBA’s 2024 Global Bioenergy Statistics Report include:
- Heat – Bioenergy remains vital in the heat sector, accounting for 96 percent of global renewable heat production. Europe produced nearly 80 percent of this, highlighting bioenergy’s critical role in decarbonizing heat demand across industrial, commercial, and residential sectors, which make up half of total energy consumption.
- Power – Global biopower capacity reached 150 GW in 2023, with Asia’s capacity nearly tripling since 2014, driven by major investments in China and Japan. In 2023, bioenergy electricity generation reached 697 TWh, making up 8 percent of all renewable electricity. Asia is now contributing over half of the global output.
- Liquid biofuels – In 2023, liquid biofuels – primarily ethanol, biodiesel, and renewable diesel –supplied approximately 188 billion liters combined, representing 93 percent of renewable energy in transport. The United States, Brazil, and India led ethanol production, the largest liquid biofuel with India having tripled its output since 2018. Indonesia and the EU dominated biodiesel production, the second largest liquid biofuel while the United States led renewable diesel production followed by the EU and China.
- Biogas – Global biogas demand hit 1,746 PJ in 2023, with Europe as the top producer, contributing nearly 50 percent of total output, and Germany alone providing close to 20 percent.
- Jobs and investment – The bioenergy sector supported 3.9 million jobs in 2023, with liquid biofuels accounting for 2.8 million. Global investment reached US$9 billion in 2022.
