Bioethanol Refineries Produce Higher Food Output Than Fuel, ePURE Findings

EU ethanol biorefineries generated more food and animal feed than fuel in 2023, according to data audited by ePURE, the European renewable ethanol association. Representing 85% of the EU's ethanol production capacity, ePURE members, along with other European producers, produced 6.5 million tonnes of food and feed co-products, including high-protein animal feed. In comparison, the total renewable ethanol output was 5.08 million tonnes. This highlights the significant role bioethanol refineries play in supporting the EU’s food supply chain alongside their energy production.

In addition to food and feed, biorefineries produced 1.46 million tonnes of biogenic CO2, another critical by-product. Biogenic CO2 is strategically valuable, as it is used to replace fossil CO2 in applications such as beverage carbonation and greenhouse operations. By capturing CO2, ethanol production not only helps to reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also provides a more sustainable solution for other industries that require carbon dioxide.

David Carpintero, Director General of ePURE, emphasized the strategic importance of renewable ethanol refineries for the European Union. He stated, "These biorefineries are essential assets for the EU, as they help to cut carbon emissions, secure food systems, ensure energy independence, and foster agricultural and industrial autonomy." Carpintero also called for the EU to recognize the full potential of these biorefineries in order to achieve carbon neutrality targets, bolster food systems, and lay the groundwork for a more sustainable future.

One notable aspect of the audited data is that all the crops used by the biorefineries were grown by European farmers, ensuring that the production process remains local and sustainable. Of the total ethanol produced, 85.9% was allocated for fuel use, primarily as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. The remaining production was divided between industrial applications (6.5%), such as hand sanitizer, and food and beverage uses (7.6%).

The audit also revealed record-high greenhouse gas (GHG) savings from the ethanol produced by European biorefineries. On average, renewable ethanol achieved a 79.1% reduction in GHG emissions compared to fossil petrol. This makes ethanol a critical component in efforts to decarbonize transport, especially for petrol and hybrid vehicles, which will remain in use on European roads for the foreseeable future. The GHG reduction achieved by ethanol underscores its role in helping the EU meet its emission reduction goals.

ePURE represents 41 member companies and associations, operating about 50 biorefineries across the EU and the UK. The audited data compiled by Copartner provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental and economic contributions of renewable ethanol to the EU, highlighting its value not just in energy production but also in supporting the agricultural sector and providing strategic co-products for other industries.