ePURE, the European renewable ethanol association, recently released its annual statistics report for 2016, finding direct GHG savings associated with European ethanol increased 8.5 percent last year, when compared to 2014. European ethanol now achieves a 64 percent direct greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction when compared to fossil fuels, up from 59 percent in 2014.

“This audited statistical report reinforces yet again European ethanol’s strong credentials as a low carbon transport fuel. However, despite ethanol’s 64 percent certified savings and confirmed low land use impacts our sector faces the bizarre situation that the European Commission seems intent on phasing out readily available conventional ethanol. The commission instead needs to promote, not hamper, all available low carbon transport solutions, including ethanol, if they are to succeed in their fight to reduce transport emissions,” said Robert Wright, secretary- general of ePURE.

According to ePURE, the total ethanol production capacity of its members increased from 6.8 billion liters (1.8 billion gallons) in 2014 to 6.9 billion liters in 2015. Total production by ePURE members, however, was at 5.8 billion liters in both years. Total ethanol production capacity in the EU, including ePURE members and non-ePURE members, was estimated to be 8 billion liters in 2014, increasing to 7.1 billion liters last year. Total production is estimated to have fallen from 6.9 billion liters in 2014 to 6.4 billion liters in 2014.

Fuel ethanol production by ePURE members fell slightly last year, from 4.77 billion liters in 2014 to 4.54 billion liters in 2015. Industrial ethanol production, however, increased from 690 million liters in 2014 to 810 million liters in 2015. Food and beverage ethanol production was also up, increasing from 350 million liters in 2014 to 410 million liters in 2015.

According to the report, ePURE members produced approximately 4.89 million metric tons of animal food last year, down from 5.29 million metric tons in 2014. The production of CO2 also fell, from 450,000 metric tons in 2014 to 400,000 metric tons in 2015. The production of other coproducts increased from 500,000 metric tons in 2014 to 590,000 metric tons last year.

In 2015, 2.12 billion liters of ethanol was produced from corn, 1.89 billion liters from wheat, 1.17 billion liters from sugars, 430 million liters from other cereals and starch-rich crops, and 180 million liters from cellulosic and other RED Annex IX A feedstocks. In 2014, 2.16 billion liters was produced from corn, 1.98 liters from wheat, 1.10 billion liters from sugars, 390 million liters from other cereals and starch-rich crops, and 190 million liters from cellulosic and other RED Annex IX A feedstocks.

A full copy of the report can be downloaded from the ePURE website.