Ethanol refineries produced more feed than fuel in 2021, breaks records

In Belgium, ePURE’s latest data shows that the production and use of renewable ethanol from their members in 2021 produced more animal feed co-products than renewable ethanol for the first time ever.

The record-breaking figure comes at a crucial moment for EU energy and climate legislation as policymakers determine what role sustainable biofuels such as renewable ethanol can play in the drive to carbon-neutrality.

The record-high GHG-saving performance of ePURE members’ ethanol was also accompanied by significant production of animal feed (4.48 million tonnes) and of captured CO2 (1.05 million tonnes) – more ways in which ethanol production contributes to EU food security and offsets fossil fuel use. For the first time, ePURE members produced more animal feed co-products than renewable ethanol – more food than fuel. The 2021 findings were compiled from ePURE members and certified by auditing firm Copartner.