Dear Reader,
Biofuels, especially bioethanol, are believed to endanger the food supply, consume agricultural land, have a poor environmental footprint, and therefore produce more CO2 than fossil fuels.
Now, a new study has been published that proves the exact opposite. Nearly a third of the food produced for human consumption is never eaten, but is thrown away or wasted, which not only impacts food security but also wastes resources such as land, water, and energy. “Everyone participates in the global agri-food system because everyone eats food,” said study co-author Zhengxia Dou, a professor of agricultural systems at the University of Pennsylvania (USA), in a university press release. “Everyone is a stakeholder.” The researchers analyzed data from 91 field studies conducted in 29 countries to “create a benchmark for countries developing food waste management strategies for a circular agri-food system,” the study authors wrote. The researchers found that completely eliminating food disposal in landfills in these countries could significantly reduce GHG emissions. The study, “Food waste used as a resource can reduce climate and resource pressures in agri-food systems,” was published in the journal Nature Food.- https://www.nature.com/natfood/
The US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities poses significant risks to the oil markets. In retaliation, Tehran is planning to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. One-fifth of global oil production is transported through the strait. Bloomberg News reports that the blockade of Hormuz could drive oil prices to the $150 mark. RBC Capital Markets notes that it “could take several days or even weeks for the Iranian response to this unprecedented attack to become apparent.” With regard to energy security, it is time for Germany and Europe to become more strongly committed to alternative fuels. As KW News reports, bioethanol can make a contribution. With the technology developed by Biotech Energy Farm, a good 50 million tons of bioethanol can be produced CO2-neutrally and cost-effectively in the EU and sold at the pump for a higher-quality blend, such as E20. Greater climate protection and less dependence on oil imports brings added value for Germany and consumers. More information at: https://biotech-energy.com/de/
In calendar week 25 (CW 25), a first-of-its-kind workshop hosted by CBE JU brought together leading researchers and industry representatives to discuss how bio-based solutions are reshaping the future of agriculture and packaging across Europe. The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) held its first cluster workshop, bringing together around 60 experts from over 30 EU-funded projects, the European Commission, and industry partners. More information at: https://www.cbe.europa.eu/
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is exploring the possibility of granting USD 46.4 million to the Serbian alcohol producer Sunal and the PP Erdervik winery, subsidiaries of the Cypriot MKG Agrinvestment. The goal is to support the company’s viticulture by building an ethanol plant with an annual capacity of 30 million liters. The raw material will be corn. The loan, which will cover the entire investment, is expected to be approved on July 23. https://www.ebrd.com/home.html
Growth Energy announced that Americans could potentially save more than $10.1 billion in fuel costs this summer thanks to an emergency summer E15 waiver issued earlier this year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The waiver allowed for the continued sale of E15, a fuel blend made with 15% American ethanol that costs less than ordinary fuel and can be used in 96% of cars on the road today. If American drivers chose E15 (also sold as Unleaded 88) instead of standard E10 fuel this summer, they could collectively save more than $10.1 billion, according to Growth Energy’s analysis. https://www.americanagnetwork.com/2025/06/25/growth-energy-summer-e15-waiver-could-save-americans-10-1-billion-nationwide/
The Latvia (Parliament) reviewing Transport Energy Bill (TEL) prepared by the Ministry of Climate and Energy (CEMI). The transport sector is the largest source of emissions in Latvia, which accounts for about 37% of the total non-ETS emissions. The aim of the regulation is to provide the opportunity to produce fuel here in Latvia, on the spot, allowing consumers to buy cheaper transport energy than imported products, as well as to ensure the development of the common economy. https://ceenergynews.com/bioenergy/latvia-boost-local-biofuel-biomethane-production/
Europe’s biomethane sector is growing, but not fast enough. Installed production capacity hit 7 billion cubic meters (bcm) annually by the end of Q1 2025, up 9% from 2024. Yet growth is beginning to slow, despite investor appetite remaining strong, even slightly higher than last year (€28 billion). This mismatch highlights the urgent need for clear policy strategy on biogases, binding targets as proposed in a recent sector’s call for a 2040 Roadmap, and swift regulatory action to accelerate the sector before momentum fades. https://www.euractiv.com/section/eet/opinion/european-biomethane-hits-7-bcm-stronger-policy-needed-to-sustain-momentum/
Last week, Brazil’s Minister of Mines and Energy announced an increase in the bioethanol content of gasoline from 27% to 30%, adding it to the agenda of the next extraordinary meeting of the National Energy Policy Council (CNPE). With this measure, the government aims to reduce gasoline costs for end consumers, as ethanol is cheaper. Furthermore, the initiative is intended to promote the production of biofuels and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The measure was made possible by the approval of the “Fuel of the Future” project last year, which allows for an ethanol content of up to 35% in gasoline. https://energynews.oedigital.com/fossil-fuels/2025/06/25/brazil-increases-the-mandated-level-for-ethanol-and-biodiesel-in-brazil-energy-ministry-says
TotalEnergies and Quatra have signed a 15-year agreement beginning in 2026, for the supply of 60,000 tons a year of European used cooking oil to TotalEnergies’ biorefineries. This deal contributes to secure the feedstock to produce biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel, TotalEnergies said. Under the terms of the agreement, Quatra will collect used cooking oil directly from restaurants, restaurant chains and industry in France and the rest of Europe. The oil will then be delivered to Quatra sites for filtering before being shipped to TotalEnergies’ biorefineries to produce road biofuels and SAF. https://safmagazine.com/articles/totalenergies-signs-a-deal-with-quatra-to-secure-feedstock-for-its-biorefineries
Saipem has been awarded from Enilive, Eni’s company dedicated to biorefining, biomethane production, smart mobility solutions and the distribution of all energy carriers for mobility, a new contract for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) activities aimed at expanding the Enilive biorefinery in Porto Marghera, near Venice, valued at approximately 155 million euros. https://www.civilengineeringweb.com/2025/06/saipem-win-epc-contract-from-enilive.html
3Degrees has secured ISCC EU certification for its biomethane solutions. This certification enables 3Degrees to offer clients ISCC EU-certified biomethane certificates, providing robust assurance and traceability for their renewable energy strategies. https://worldbiomarketinsights.com/3degrees-secures-iscc-eu-certification-to-boost-european-biomethane-solutions/
The Saudi Arabian biofuel market reached a volume of $95.77 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $2.49 billion by 2033. According to the report, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.8% between 2025 and 2033. https://www.imarcgroup.com/saudi-arabia-biofuel-market
Lufthansa Group is introducing an Environmental Cost Surcharge. The surcharge is intended to cover part of the steadily rising additional costs due to regulatory environmental requirements. These include the statutory blending quota of initially two percent for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for departures from European Union (EU) countries from January 1, 2025, adjustments to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) as well as other regulatory environmental costs such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). https://newsroom.lufthansagroup.com/en/lufthansa-group-introduces–environmental-cost-surcharge/
The Indian government is concerned that Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh have imposed additional levies on ethanol, which could negatively impact the target of increased ethanol blending. Legal and policy concerns have also been raised, as ethanol is subject to GST. The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas wrote to all three states in March, April, and May, pointing out how the new levies could hinder the free movement of ethanol and urging them to repeal these new state regulations. However, the issues remain unresolved, although ethanol producers have also raised concerns. https://www.republicworld.com/initiatives/centre-issues-concern-over-ethanol-levies-by-state-governments
CarbonQuest and Daroga Power have announced their first joint financing for carbon capture as a service (CCS) in North America. The goal is to offer this service to customers across a range of industries, from food and beverages to commercial and industrial facilities and utility infrastructure. This initiative follows the announcement of a 2023 partnership aimed at delivering sustainable carbon to North American commercial, industrial, utility, and other emitters. This and future joint CCS projects will be operated by C2Zero, a portfolio company of SER Capital Partners, in partnership with Daroga Power. https://carbonquest.com/carbonquest-and-daroga-power-announce-the-first-carbon-capture-as-a-service-project
The European Commission has ruled to postpone the country’s GSP+ status that allowed it duty-free ethanol exports following complaints from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Hungary, and Poland. In May 2024, the countries alleged that Pakistan’s industrial ethanol exports caused damage to their local markets. Fuel ethanol is still allowed to enter duty free if it achieves sustainability standards, which so far no production in the country can achieve. https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2701415-pakistan-loses-eu-gsp-ethanol-status
The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, recently officially launched India’s first polylactic acid (PLA) brand, “Balrampur Bioyug.” Manufactured by Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML), the brand marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable innovation. The launch event at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai marked a pivotal moment, bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders across the value chain to celebrate a groundbreaking advancement in biopolymer manufacturing and sustainable industry practices. https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/maharashtra-wants-to-be-first-chapter-in-indias-growth-story-cm-fadnavis-982716
FutureFuel Corp. recently announced its decision to temporarily idle biodiesel production upon completion of its remaining contractual obligations, anticipated to occur by the end of June. This decision comes despite welcome news last week from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposing to increase biomass-based diesel mandates for 2026 and 2027 to 7.12 and 7.50 billion Renewable Identification Numbers respectively, a significant jump from 3.35 billion gallons and 5.36 billion gallons in 2025 and 2026, respectively. https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/futurefuel-corp-temporarily-idles-biodiesel-production-amid-regulatory-uncertainties