Brussels: According to a recent report released by ePURE – the European renewable ethanol association, EU ethanol biorefineries have produced more food and animal feed than fuel in 2023, reports ePure.org.
The report shows that 6.5 million tonnes of food and feed co-products, including high-protein animal feed, produced by the ePURE members account for 85% of the EU’s installed capacity along with other European producers of renewable ethanol. In comparison, they produced 5.08 million tonnes of renewable ethanol. Additionally, the biorefineries captured 1.46 million tonnes of biogenic CO2, a key product used as a substitute for fossil CO2 in beverages and greenhouses.
“Renewable ethanol biorefineries are a crucial strategic asset for the EU,” said David Carpintero, Director General of ePURE. He highlighted the role of these facilities in reducing carbon emissions, securing food supplies, and enhancing energy independence. Carpintero stressed the importance of fully harnessing these biorefineries to help the EU meet carbon neutrality goals, strengthen food systems, and promote sustainability.
All crops processed by these biorefineries were grown by European farmers. The report showed 85.9% of the renewable ethanol produced was used as fuel, while 6.5% went to industrial uses such as hand sanitisers, and 7.6% was for food and beverage production.
It also underlined a record-high GHG saving from ethanol, averaging 79.1% compared to fossil petrol-further consolidating its importance in transport decarbonization in general, since petrol and hybrid cars are still common on European roads.
ePURE represents 41 member companies and associations with about 50 plants across the EU and UK. The data was compiled from ePURE members and other European renewable ethanol producers and verified by auditing firm Copartner.
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