In 2018, biofuel consumption for transport in the European Union (EU) experienced double-digit growth. According to EurObserv’ER Biofuels Barometer 2019, it reached almost 17 Mtoe in 2018, compared to 15.4 Mtoe in 2017, which represents an increase of 10.1 percent, in line with the increase in the incorporation mandates of certain Member States and a secure European legislative framework.
almost 17 Mtoe in 2018, compared to 15.4 Mtoe in 2017, an increase of 10.1% (graphic courtesy EurObserv’ER).
The EurObserv’ER Biofuels Barometer 2019 report notes that after a long period of stagnancy, biofuel consumption in the EU-28 experienced positive growth in 2018. The growth has been fueled by an increase in quotas or incorporation targets determined by several countries.
Furthermore, 99.5 percent of this consumption complies with the sustainability requirements as defined by the European Commission.
According to the report, biodiesel, a category that includes all types of renewable diesel – fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) – remains the dominant fuel type and is also largely behind the increase, with consumption increasing by almost 1.5 Mtoe to reach 13.9 Mtoe in 2018.
With 13.9 Mtoe of biodiesel consumed in 2018, the sector grew by 10.4 percent in one year.
Bioethanol consumption has also experienced year-on-year growth, albeit at a lower rate than biodiesel (+ 3.4 percent). The growth in biofuel consumption in the EU has been fueled by an increase in quotas or incorporation targets determined by several countries.
Bioethanol production in Europe has increased marginally. Combined, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom (UK) account for more than half of the overall production of bioethanol. While an increase in consumption for petrol-type fuels has paved the way for recovery in this sector, droughts in 2018 which increased the price of feedstock was a limiting factor in this growth.
17.1% (18.4% in 2017) and biogas: 0.9% compared to 1.0% in 2017 (graphic courtesyEurObserv’ER).
