Biofuels play a key role in the European energy transition, helping to reduce emissions and diversify energy sources in the transportation sector.
Growth of biofuels in 2023 according to the EurObserv’ER Report
The 2024 Biofuels Report in Europe, prepared by EurObserv’ER (the European renewable energy observatory), highlights the progress made in 2023. Renewable energy consumption in EU transport reached 20.9 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe), marking a 6.3% increase compared to 2022. Of this amount, 18.5 Mtoe (77.3%) came from biofuels, confirming their central role in the sector’s decarbonization.
Biodiesel: The sector’s leading fuel
Biodiesel remains the dominant biofuel, accounting for 77% of total consumption with over 14.3 Mtoe. This segment experienced a 5.7% increase from the previous year, driven mainly by:
- Spain: +35%
- France
- Italy
- Austria
Biogasoline and biomethane on the rise
Other biofuels also showed positive trends:
- Biogasoline (including bioethanol and synthetic variants): +5.6%, reaching 3.5 Mtoe. Italy leads this growth, followed by Austria, Germany, and Spain.
- Biomethane: +13.4%, with consumption hitting 558.8 kilotonnes of oil equivalent (ktoe), supported by favorable policies in Sweden and Italy.
Towards a more sustainable future
These figures confirm the commitment of EU Member States to sustainability and underline the importance of biofuels in achieving Europe’s decarbonization and energy independence goals.