4 reasons renewable ethanol plays an important role in de-fossilising transport

International organisations agree that achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 will require an increased uptake of sustainable biofuels. To that end, the EU should fully maximise the tools it has on hand to move beyond imported fossil fuel – starting with the Renewable Energy Directive but also including other key ‘Fit for 55’ legislative priorities.

As one of the best such tools, European renewable ethanol must be considered more than just a ‘transition fuel’ or ‘stopgap solution’ in the EU’s planning. It is a proven solution that is already delivering results for decarbonisation but could do a lot more even in the years to come.

Renewable ethanol is…

...Immediate

Europe cannot afford to wait for new technologies to mature. Renewable ethanol reduces emissions from today’s vehicles – about 77% on average, compared to fossil petrol – and from the vehicles that Europeans keep buying and driving.

...Cost-effective

The increased use of ethanol to decarbonise transport requires neither expensive new infrastructure nor for citizens to purchase a newer car; it can be scaled up easily in a way that also benefits the EU economy and food security.

...Sustainable

The European Commission regularly confirms the sustainability of EU biofuel production, finding no correlation between food prices and biofuel demand and low environmental impact of feedstock production.

...Socially inclusive

By embracing all sustainable solutions to decarbonisation, the EU would empower more people at all income levels to contribute positively to carbon-neutrality and avoid a potential backlash from mandating new technologies before they are economically viable.