EC – Biofuels in the European Union

Renewable and sustainable fuel technologies can play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions in transport and ensuring energy security. The focus of this report is on advanced biofuels. The Fit for 55 legislative proposals in the EU aim to increase the target for sustainable advanced liquid biofuels, biomethane, and renewable fuels of non-biological origin. Biomethane is seen as a key player in diversifying EU gas supplies. Technology like anaerobic digestion and lignocellulosic ethanol production are already in use, with other advanced technologies ready to be implemented. However, challenges like high costs and limited biomass feedstock availability hinder the market uptake of advanced biofuels. The EU has been funding biofuel projects under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. Private investments in biofuel firms have decreased recently. EU leads in high-value patents for advanced biofuels, with a significant increase in scientific publications on the subject over the past decade.