2% of global electricity is generated from Biofuels

Biofuels represent one of the important low-carbon sources of energy that can aid in the global transition towards decarbonizing our energy structures. Biofuels are derived from organic material; this can range from plant-based material like corn or sugarcane to animal waste. Similar to the conventional fossil fuels such as coal and oil, biofuels have the capability of being converted into electricity and power.

The process of using biofuels to generate electricity starts with the fuel being broken down in a high-temperature environment. This could be through combustion, where heat from the burning biofuels boils water to create steam and turn a turbine, or through a process of biological digestion where microbes break down the material to create biogas, which can then be burned to generate power. Importantly, the carbon intensity of biofuels is relatively low, only about 230 gCO2eq/kWh. This makes the process a less carbon-intensive option compared substantially lower than that of coal (820 gCO2eq/kWh) and gas (490 gCO2eq/kWh), thereby favorably contributing to the mitigation of climate change.

One of the significant advantages of biofuels lies in their relatively low carbon intensity, which is an encouraging aspect in the context of our need for green energy solutions. Compared to the more carbon-dense fossil fuels like coal and gas, biofuels offer a cleaner, more sustainable option. They align well with other low-carbon energy sources like wind, solar, and nuclear energy - all of which have markedly low emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels.

Globally, biofuels account for about 1.76% of electricity generation, which underlines their potential for scaling up. There are many examples of countries successfully utilizing biofuels for electricity generation. For instance, biofuels generate 10% of electricity in Finland, 9% in Germany and Estonia respectively, while in Denmark, they contribute up to 14%. A particularly impressive use case is Guadeloupe, where an astounding 21% of electricity is derived from biofuels. These examples illustrate the potential role biofuels can play in our aim to create a more sustainable, low-carbon, and green energy future.