Biofuel infrastructure to attract $69 billion in investment

July 23, 2013

BY Navigant Research

Worldwide production of biofuels is expanding more slowly than expected, due to delays in the development of advanced biofuels, the boom in fossil fuels production in key markets such as the United States, and a decline in global biofuels investment in recent years.  The next wave of advanced biofuels is nearing commercialization, however, and conventional biofuels production is anticipated to grow steadily between 2013 and 2023.   According to a recent report from Navigant Research, annual revenue from biofuels production will reach $7.6 billion by 2023, with $69 billion invested in new production capacity worldwide over the next 10 years.

“Conventional ethanol, derived from corn starch, coarse grains, and sugarcane, is expected to remain the largest segment of biofuels over the next 10 years despite facing increased scrutiny as a viable long-term alternative to fossil-based liquid fuels,” says Mackinnon Lawrence, principal research analyst with Navigant Research.  “The fastest growing segment in the industry, though, will be advanced biofuels such as advanced ethanol, biobutanol, and green diesel, which are moving beyond the pilot and demonstration scale at a handful of projects across the globe.”

Demand- and supply-oriented policies will continue to play a critical role in the development of the biofuels market over the forecast period.  Targeted production through supply-focused policies is expected to surpass current obligatory and voluntary blending policies by 2019, according to the report.  Assuming that actual production will keep pace with current supply targets, this imbalance is expected to have a significant impact on ethanol and biodiesel blending policies at the country level.  Policy makers will likely capitalize on greater supply and expand existing blending mandates to encourage greater integration of biofuels into their domestic fuel mix.

The report, “Market Data: Biofuels,” provides forecasts, market sizing, and market share analysis for conventional ethanol, advanced ethanol, biobutanol, biodiesel, green diesel, synthetic gasoline, and renewable jet fuel. The report also includes comprehensive country-level data and forecasts for biofuels blending and supply-oriented policies. The total volume of biofuels produced by fuel type and market penetration in retail fuel markets is forecast through 2023, segmented by world region and key countries and sub-regions. 

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