2% of global electricity is generated from Biofuels

Biofuels are a type of energy derived from biomass, such as plant and animal materials, which can be used to produce heat, electricity, and transportation fuels. Unlike fossil fuels, biofuels are considered to be a part of the carbon cycle as the carbon dioxide they emit when burned is partially offset by the carbon dioxide absorbed by the plants during their growth. Biofuels primarily include ethanol, biodiesel, and bio-generated gas, and these are often produced from materials like corn, sugarcane, and soybeans. As a versatile energy resource, biofuels have gained attention as a means to reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels.

To generate electricity from biofuels, biomass is burned or converted into gas to produce heat, which is then used to generate steam. This steam drives turbines that generate electricity. In some advanced processes, biomass is also converted into biogas through anaerobic digestion, where microorganisms break down the biomass in the absence of oxygen. The resulting biogas can be used directly in gas turbines or engines to generate electricity. This method offers a flexible addition to a diverse set of clean energy technologies.

One major advantage of biofuels is their relatively low carbon intensity compared to fossil fuels. Biofuels have a carbon intensity of about 230 gCO2eq/kWh, significantly less than coal at 820 gCO2eq/kWh and gas at 490 gCO2eq/kWh. While not as low as some of the other clean energy sources like wind (11 gCO2eq/kWh), nuclear (12 gCO2eq/kWh), or solar (45 gCO2eq/kWh), biofuels still present a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lessening climate change impacts.

Globally, biofuels account for around 2.3% of electricity consumption, highlighting their role in diversifying the global electricity mix. Despite being a small fraction of overall electricity generation, biofuels have shown their potential, particularly in certain countries. For example, Finland draws 12% of its electricity from biofuels, Denmark 17%, Estonia 15%, Sweden 6%, and Uruguay 22%. These examples underline how biofuels can complement other clean energy technologies, providing a robust and diversified energy portfolio.

Biofuels, alongside other low-carbon technologies such as wind, nuclear, and solar, are crucial in reducing carbon emissions from electricity production. Emphasizing low-carbon electricity sources, including biofuels, as part of a diverse and sustainable energy strategy can assist in achieving climate goals and creating a cleaner future. Wind, nuclear, and solar technologies should be a primary focus for energy policy to enhance clean energy capacity. They provide consistent, sustainable electricity production with minimal climate impact compared to fossil fuels. These forms of energy are indispensable in the global effort to mitigate climate change and transition to a sustainable energy future.