Bioenergy

Bioenergy accounts for roughly one-tenth of world total primary energy supply today.

Key findings

Biofuel production growth in key markets, 2019-2024

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Biofuel production forecast to increase 25% over the next 5 years

Global biofuel production increased 10 billion litres in 2018 to reach a record 154 billion litres. Double the growth of 2017, this 7% year-on-year increase was the highest in five years. Output is forecast to increase 25% to 2024, an upwards revision from 2018 owing to better market prospects in Brazil, the United States and especially China.

Renewables 2019: Transport

Global biofuel production 2010-2019 compared to consumption in the Sustainable Development Scenario

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Stronger policy support and innovation to reduce costs are required to get on track

Transport biofuel production expanded 6% year-on-year in 2019, and 3% annual production growth is expected over the next five years. This falls short of the sustained 10% output growth per year needed until 2030 to align with the SDS. Stronger policy support and innovation to reduce costs are required to scale up both advanced biofuel consumption and the adoption of biofuels in aviation and marine transport, as envisaged in the SDS. As only sustainable biofuels have a place in the SDS, more widespread sustainability governance must complement higher biofuel output.

Transport Biofuels: Tracking progress 2020

Bioenergy power generation in the Sustainable Development Scenario, 2000-2030

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An optimistic outlook for bioenergy in power generation

In 2019, bioenergy electricity generation increased by over 5%, just below the 6% annual rate needed through 2030 to reach the SDS level. Recent positive policy and market developments in emerging economies indicate an optimistic outlook for bioenergy, supporting its “on track” status.

Bioenergy Power Generation: Tracking progress 2020