Biofuels emit higher CO₂ than fossil fuels they replace: T&E Report

A new analysis by Cerulogy for Transport & Environment (T&E) warns that global biofuels are causing more climate harm than the fossil fuels they are meant to replace. According to the report, biofuels emit 16% more CO₂ on average than conventional fuels, largely due to land-use change, farming emissions, and deforestation linked to crop-based feedstocks. With global demand for biofuels projected to rise by at least 40% by 2030, T&E is urging world leaders gathering at COP30 in Brazil to curb their expansion.

The study estimates that by 2030, biofuels could generate an additional 70 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, matching the annual emissions of nearly 30 million diesel cars. Currently, biofuel crops occupy 32 million hectares of land—the size of Italy—yet meet only 4% of global transport energy needs. This land footprint could surge to 52 million hectares by 2030, an area comparable to France.

T&E argues that this land could instead feed 1.3 billion people, or be used far more efficiently for renewable energy. Installing solar panels on just 3% of the same land would generate equivalent energy, enough to power nearly one-third of today’s global car fleet due to the superior efficiency of electric vehicles.

The report highlights that 90% of biofuels still come from food crops, consuming massive quantities of corn, sugarcane, sugar beet and vegetable oils—equivalent to burning 100 million bottles of vegetable oil in cars each day. Water requirements are also alarming: driving 100 km on first-generation biofuels uses nearly 3,000 litres of water, versus 20 litres for an EV powered by solar energy.

As nations like Brazil, Canada and India accelerate biofuel production, T&E warns that weak regulation risks worsening deforestation, water stress and food competition. The group calls for stronger safeguards and prioritisation of electrification, efficiency, and genuinely sustainable energy alternatives.