2% of global electricity is generated from Biofuels

Biofuels are an energy source derived from organic materials, including plant matter and agricultural waste. Unlike fossil fuels, which take millions of years to form, biofuels can be produced relatively quickly through processes like fermentation and transesterification. As a result, biofuels are often seen as a renewable alternative to conventional fossil fuels. When combusted, they release energy that can be harnessed for various applications, including electricity generation. Since biofuels are made from plant material, and plants absorb CO2 as they grow, the carbon released during combustion can be offset to some extent by the carbon absorbed during the plants' growth cycle.

To generate electricity from biofuels, the organic material is combusted to produce heat, which is then used to generate steam. The steam drives a turbine connected to an electrical generator, converting thermal energy into electrical energy. This process is similar to the way coal or gas power plants operate, but with the crucial difference that the carbon footprint of biofuels is significantly lower. According to data from the IPCC, the carbon intensity of biofuels averages 230 gCO2eq/kWh. While this is higher than the intensity of wind (11 gCO2eq/kWh), solar (45 gCO2eq/kWh), and nuclear (12 gCO2eq/kWh), it is substantially lower than that of coal (820 gCO2eq/kWh) and oil (650 gCO2eq/kWh). This makes biofuels a viable cleaner alternative for electricity production when compared to fossil fuels.

One of the significant advantages of biofuels is their relatively lower carbon intensity. As a low-carbon energy source, biofuels contribute less to climate change compared to high-carbon fossil fuels. For instance, coal, one of the most commonly used fossil fuels for electricity generation, has a carbon intensity of 820 gCO2eq/kWh. By contrast, biofuels at 230 gCO2eq/kWh offer a more sustainable solution, especially when partnered with other low-carbon technologies like wind, nuclear, and solar power, some of which have carbon intensities as low as 11 gCO2eq/kWh for wind. This shift toward low-carbon sources is crucial for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.

Globally, biofuels currently generate around 1.78% of all electricity consumed. In some countries, the contribution of biofuels to the electricity mix is even more substantial. For example, Finland generates 10% of its electricity from biofuels, Denmark 12%, Martinique 17%, Guadeloupe 15%, and Germany 9%. These figures highlight the role of biofuels as a part of the energy mix in various regions, supporting the transition to more sustainable electricity systems without solely relying on any one source.

While biofuels have their advantages, it is important to emphasize the critical role of other low-carbon energy sources like wind, nuclear, and solar in the global energy transition. Each of these technologies has its strengths. Wind power, with a carbon intensity of about 11 gCO2eq/kWh, and solar, at around 45 gCO2eq/kWh, offer renewable options with virtually no carbon emissions once operational. Nuclear energy, with an impressively low carbon intensity of 12 gCO2eq/kWh, is a reliable and consistent source of green energy. Together, along with biofuels, these energy sources form a diversified, low-carbon electricity grid essential for reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating their adverse impacts on the environment and public health.