EurObserv'ER Biofuels Barometer (2010)

In 2009, total biofuel use amounted to 12.1 Mtoe, which represents a 4% share across all road transport fuels estimated at 300 Mtoe in 2009. The European Union needs to raise biofuel consumption by 6 Mtoe in 2010 if it is to reach the Directive's goal 5.75%).

According to the EurObserv'ER estimates, the slowdown in the growth of European biofuel consumption deepened again. Biofuel use in transport grew by 18.7% between 2008 and 2009, against 30.3% between 2007 and 2008 and 41.8% between 2006 and 2007.

In contrast to previous years, growth in bioethanol fuel consumption was steadier (up 31.9% between 2008 and 2009) than that of biodiesel (up 19.9% between 2008 and 2009). The collapse of vegetable oil consumption continued (down 72.3%), which contrasts with the consumption of biogas fuel that has the same properties as natural gas, and is still growing in Sweden (up 23.2%). In Europe most biofuel used in transport is essentially sourced from biodiesel which accounts for 79.5% of the total energy content, as opposed to 19.3% for bioethanol. The vegetable oil fuel share is becoming negligible (0.9%) and for the moment the biogas fuel share is specific to one country: Sweden (0.3%).

Besides the 2009 realisations per EU Member State other subjects that are discussed in the new barometer are:

• Selected country
• reviews
• Renewable energy policies
• Industry overview
• Projection to the year 2010