European ethanol delivers 71% greenhouse gas savings in 2018

European renewable ethanol association ePURE has welcomed the recent news that European renewable ethanol resulted in an average of over 71% greenhouse gas (GHG) savings compared to fossil fuels in 2018.

New certified data from ethanol producers has shown that 2018 was the seventh year in a row in which the decarbonisation performance of ethanol improved.

The 71% GHG savings figure is well above the minimum legal requirements.

“Once again, renewable EU ethanol proves its sustainability credentials by increasing its GHG savings,” said Emmanuel Desplechin, secretary general of ePURE. “In countries across Europe, ethanol refineries are investing in more efficient production processes for low-carbon liquid fuel and high-protein animal feed, helping to reduce emissions from transport and offset the EU’s protein deficit – while also providing an important market for farmers.

“As the EU moves ahead with its long-term strategy to decarbonise, it needs to take full advantage of solutions such as European crop-based and advanced ethanol to make a difference right now.”

Data also showed a significant production of animal feed in Europe (4.2 million dry matter equivalent tonnes), as well as of capture carbon dioxide (0.77 million tonnes.

According to ePURE, the 2018 information was compiled by association members and certified by auditing firm Copartner.