Renewable ethanol: driving jobs, growth and innovation throughout Europe: State of the Industry Report 2014

From the introduction...

"This Industry Report represents a first step towards building a much better and broader understanding of the renewable ethanol industry in Europe. It is intended to describe the nature of the sector, how it has developed, its positive impacts, as well as explaining why it is so vital to Europe’s future.

Having only begun in earnest in 2003 – long after our biggest competitor markets in US and Brazil – we have already made a significant contribution to creating jobs, particularly high skilled and rural, and supporting growth and European innovation.

We have also made a significant contribution to the fight against climate change through the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy produced with non-food feedstock sourced 93% from Europe.

But renewable ethanol is about much more than just renewable energy. The sector is also a major producer of high-quality protein feed for animals, which is helping to meet Europe’s food needs, and replacing imports of GM and antibiotic containing animal feed. Renewable ethanol is also a very important ingredient for beverages and a wide range of industrial sectors and consumer products. Some of our bio-refineries also feed energy back into national electricity grids, and much of the limited CO2 we generate is used for industrial purposes.

Although the sector has matured quickly, it is still in its infancy. We are nowhere near to realising its potential. It can and should play an even more important role in reversing rising GHG emissions in the European transport sector, bringing additional income and development to Europe’s rural communities, turning European technology and innovation into more green jobs, and reducing Europe’s energy dependence.

Our bio-refineries and the renewable ethanol they produce are essential components of the emerging bio-based economy. Realising the potential of renewable ethanol will require a more supportive European Union policy framework; one that creates a level playing field and better nurtures the industry. But this will only happen if we, the industry, and the broader stakeholder community that has an interest in our success, work together to transform the awareness and understanding of renewable ethanol in Europe."