Biofuels: Growing Sustainable Energy

From 10:00 to 12:15

European Parliament, Brussels (room: Spinelli 5G1)

As global interest in renewable energy continues to rise, biofuels are playing an increasingly significant role in the energy market. Within the European Union, biofuel consumption has grown steadily in recent years. However, production has stagnated due to regulatory uncertainties, the removal of tax incentives in some Member States, and increased imports from outside Europe. The question of local production versus imports is a critical one, driven by global environmental and strategic autonomy considerations. The industry also faces critical challenges, including emissions concerns and land usage implications, which must be addressed for long-term sustainability.

At EU level, biofuels are part of the EU’s renewable energy strategy and considered a key component to decarbonize transport. Under the Renewable Energy Directive, the EU has set binding targets for renewable energy in transport, whilst requiring a phasing out of high ILUC-risk biofuels by 2030, thus focusing on 2nd and 3rd generation biofuels to meet those targets. “Biofuels: Growing Sustainable Energy” is organized by the European Landowners’ Organization and John Deere and brings together farmers, scientists, industry leaders and policymakers to explore how biofuels can support the EU’s twin goals of climate neutrality and rural economic development. This event is hosted by MEP Elsi Katainen and will explore the central question: How can the European biofuel sector evolve to support the EU’s energy transition and strategic autonomy, decarbonise the farming sector, and provide additional revenue to farmers, while safeguarding food security? And how far can it realistically evolve to meet those targets?

Through a forward-looking discussion, the event will examine whether and how second- and third-generation biofuels can offer a credible, scalable, and fair path forward.