Renewable ethanol produced by members of the European Renewable Ethanol Association (ePURE) reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by more than 79 percent compared to fossil fuel in 2023, according to the latest certified producer data.
According to the newly certified data, the production and use of renewable ethanol from ePURE members and other EU producers reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by an average of 79.1 percent compared to fossil fuels in 2023.
It was the 12th consecutive year in which EU renewable ethanol increased its GHG-reduction score.
The new report comes as the EU prepares for a reshaped European Commission and Parliament that will consider how to make Green Deal policies more effective and socially inclusive.
The record-breaking GHG-reduction figure highlights the continuing innovation of the European renewable ethanol industry as biorefineries decrease emissions and improve the already impressive sustainability of EU crop-based and advanced biofuels.
The strategic value of European ethanol biorefineries has never been clearer. By producing food, feed, and fuel for Europe, the ethanol industry contributes to key EU strategic goals, including climate change reduction, energy independence, food security, and industrial and agricultural autonomy. Every year renewable ethanol reduces more GHG emissions compared to fossil fuel – making our industry a world leader in terms of sustainability said David Carpintero, Director General of ePURE, the European Renewable Ethanol Association.
More food and feed than fuel
The record-high GHG-saving performance of ePURE members’ ethanol was also accompanied by significant production of food and feed co-products – 6.5 million tonnes of commercial product, and 1.5 million tonnes of captured biogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) – more ways in which ethanol production contributes to EU food security and offsets fossil resources.
Once again, ePURE members produced more food and feed co-products than renewable ethanol – more food than fuel.
The 2023 findings were compiled from ePURE members, which include 20 producing companies with around 50 refineries across the EU and UK accounting for about 85 percent of EU renewable ethanol production, and other EU producers and certified by auditing firm Copartner.
New officers elected
In a separate statement, ePURE announced that its members elected Antonio Vallespir, CEO of Vertex Bioenergy as its new President for a two-year term.
In his new role, Vallespir who had previously served as ePURE’s Vice-President, takes over from Stephan Meeder, who had served as ePURE President since 2023 but has taken on new duties as CFO of Südzucker AG.
With a new European Parliament and European Commission, the need to raise awareness about the strategic value of EU ethanol biorefineries is more important than ever. As ePURE President, I will work with policymakers and stakeholders to help ensure that the European renewable ethanol sector can continue to be part of the solution to climate change, energy independence, food security, and industrial and agricultural autonomy, said Antonio Vallespir.
ePURE members also elected Alarik Sandrup, Director of Public and Regulatory Affairs of Lantmännen, as the association’s new Vice-President. Sandrup who has previously served as Vice-President of ePURE, also serves as chairman of the Swedish Bioenergy Association (Svebio).
