The following was contributed as an independent article by Ethanol Europe Renewables Ltd (EERL).
The Climate Ethanol Alliance joined this year’s UN Climate Change Conference in order to showcase the biofuel industry’s efforts towards the transition to low carbon and to inform conversations around accelerating the implementation of the Paris Climate Change Agreement in the transport sector.
Transport is responsible for approximately 23% of total energy-related CO2 global emissions, and the sector is rapidly growing. The Alliance maintains that biofuels, which have a much lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels, are readily available to reduce the carbon emissions of gasoline vehicles in the short run.
Bart Pieper from Marquis Energy, a member company of the Climate Ethanol Alliance, said: “I think many countries are already starting to see the benefits of Ethanol. Especially when looking at complying with COP21 commitments. And so, it is our goal that people adopt e10 and e20 policies across the globe to help improve their air quality and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.”
16 billion gallons of ethanol are being produced every year in the United States alone. Founded by Ethanol Europe Renewables Ltd (EERL), the Climate Ethanol Alliance is aimed at bringing together bioethanol producers for the promotion of climate action. EERL was one of the partner institutions of UN Climate Change for the UN Climate Conference (COP23, 6-17 Nov) in Bonn, Germany.
Eric Sievers, Investment Director of Ethanol Europe Renewables Ltd. (EERL), pointed to new data showing the transformation of the ethanol industry over the past decade and explained how the industry was able to further reduce the carbon footprint of ethanol by increasing energy efficiency.
For instance, a certification mechanism has been developed, resulting in the enforcement of sustainability standards for participating producers.“We only exist because we have climate benefits”, said Mr. Sievers.
Ethanol is not only used in transport, it can also be used to reduce the climate impact of fuel-based heating systems. In countries that face the challenge of reducing smog in large cities, the use of biofuels can improve air quality.
To learn more about the engagement of the Climate Ethanol Alliance at COP23 and their broader climate action, visit http://ethanolalliance.com/.