Study Shows Biofuel Consumption in the EU is Slowing Down

A recent study by the EurObserv'ER (the "biofuels barometer project" which measures the renewable energy progress of EU member states) shows that biofuel consumption in the EU is slowing down. Between 2008 and 2009, the use of biofuels for transport grew by 18.7 percent. Biofuel use in 2009 amounted to 12.1 million tons of oil equivalent (mtoe), representing a 4 percent share of total transport fuel consumption in the EU. In contrast, the growth in transport biofuel use between the years 2007 to 2008 and 2006 to 2007 were 30.3 percent and 41.8 percent, respectively. The 4 percent share of biofuels use for transport in the region, is said to fall short of the European Directive which targets a share of 5.75 percent by 2010. The EurObserv'ER report also shows that biodiesel is the major transport biofuel used in the EU, accounting for 79.5 percent of the total energy content, compared to 19.3 percent for bioethanol. The vegetable oil fuel share has been reported as "becoming negligible" (0.9%). The biogas fuel share is also reported to be specific to one country (Sweden , 0.3%). The complete "Biofuels Barometer" report can be accessed at the EurObserv'ER website.

Related information on EurObserv'ER website: http://www.eurobserv-er.org/