As Europe seeks a reliable fuel supply, and a cleaner and more sustainable fuel on the way to becoming energy self-sufficient, recent legislative initiatives support the uptake of biofuels while promoting environment-friendly fuel alternatives with lower emission levels.

The European alternative biofuels market, projected to generate EUR 1.88 billion ($226 billion) in 2005, is gaining rekindled interest due to the ongoing volatility in oil supplies. "Biofuels are likely to play an increasingly important role in the transport fuels mix as governments try to limit carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions," said Robert Outram, a Frost & Sullivan research analyst. "EU Directives have been introduced that require countries to include a specified percent of biofuels in fossil fuels by 2010." As part of the Kyoto Protocol, the European Union acquiesced to reduce CO2 emissions by 8 percent by the end of 2012. The lifecycle-analysis approach to the overall atmospheric CO2 contribution of a fuel suggests that biofuels, both biodiesel and bioethanol, produce about 50 percent less CO2 than mineral diesel. Based on their low emission rates, the European Commission is supporting the development of the biofuels market as an important contribution to meeting their overall emission targets. Directives 2003/30/EC and 2003/96/EC aim specifically to encourage the increased use of biofuels and set indicative targets for their use in the transport industry. In addition to such strong legislative backing, the multiple benefits offered by biofuels bode well for market expansion. For instance, biodiesel, bioethanol and Bio-ETBE (ethyl tertiary butyl ether) can all be handled and distributed from the refinery using existing network systems and standard fuel pump equipment. The lack of both technology barriers and the need for specialist equipment for its handling gives biodiesel a distinct advantage over other alternative fuels. Another advantage is that existing fuel specifications allow the blending of bioethanol and ETBE in gasoline. This is set to promote the emerging bioethanol market as customers can use this blend without fear of invalidating engine warranties. Another factor driving the bioethanol market is fuel versatility. Flexi-fuel vehicles provide end users with more choice in the fuel purchased -- an important consideration should adverse economics on the price of a particular fuel emerge. Mineral diesel manufacturers are interested in blending biodiesel in their products to lower the sulphur emissions after combustion, as emissions from biodiesel are negligible. Biodiesel also improves the lubrication properties of the fuel and reduces wear on the engine. As demand for biofuels surges, securing adequate feedstock supply to meet such demand is likely to present a challenge. Already, pressure on rapeseed, the feedstock for the biodiesel industry, is being witnessed and competition between the food industry and biodiesel producers is likely to push prices up in the future. To relax pressure on rapeseed oil, biodiesel producers have begun sourcing alternative feedstocks, such as Malaysian palm oil and tallow. High prices present another area of concern. Due to the cost of raw materials, biodiesel and bioethanol would need tax subsidies in order to be competitively priced compared to mineral diesel and gasoline.
In addition to such strong legislative backing, the multiple benefits offered by biofuels bode well for market expansion. For instance, biodiesel, bioethanol and Bio-ETBE (ethyl tertiary butyl ether) can all be handled and distributed from the refinery using existing network systems and standard fuel pump equipment.