Biofuel industry in Europe - statistics & facts
The European Union is the world’s leading consumer of biodiesel and also among the largest consumers of biofuels in general. Although biodiesel and fuel ethanol are the most ubiquitous biofuel types on European roads, in recent years, the market for renewable diesel has also grown notably. Following concerns over food security, unsustainable feedstock sourcing, and reports over unexpectedly high emissions, biofuels production and consumption has largely stagnated across the EU, with the exception of newly introduced products such as renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.
In order to meet consumer demand, many European countries are reliant on imports. The import value of biodiesel in Europe rose particularly sharply in 2022, when the Russia-Ukraine war affected purchases of feedstocks. Meanwhile, EU fuel ethanol imports reached a new peak in 2023.
In 2024, Germany approved the sale of 100 percent renewable diesel from fuel stations, which is expected to change the biofuel landscape in Europe even further.
Largest producing countries and companies
The idea of using vegetable and cooking oils in engines predates the 21st century, however, marketable production only began taking off after the 2000s. With governments and leaders in the transportation industry looking to reduce reliance on petroleum-based fuels, biofuels production in the EU has grown to nearly 300,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. Germany, the largest car market on the continent, is also the leading biofuels producer in Europe, with an output nearly twice as high as the second largest producer. Common feedstocks include crops such as corn and sugar beet, as well as used cooking oils. Use of the latter is especially prevalent in the United Kingdom, but relies heavily on imports.Imports rise as indigenous production remains below demand
Approximately 17 million metric tons of oil equivalent biofuels are consumed in the EU every year.In order to meet consumer demand, many European countries are reliant on imports. The import value of biodiesel in Europe rose particularly sharply in 2022, when the Russia-Ukraine war affected purchases of feedstocks. Meanwhile, EU fuel ethanol imports reached a new peak in 2023.
In 2024, Germany approved the sale of 100 percent renewable diesel from fuel stations, which is expected to change the biofuel landscape in Europe even further.
