Biofuels Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The global biofuels market size reached approximately 176.61 Billion Liters in 2024. The market is assessed to grow at a CAGR of 4.50% between 2025 and 2034 to attain a volume of around 274.27 Billion Liters by 2034.

Biofuel refers to a fuel that is derived from biomass such as algae, animal waste, or plants. It is a renewable energy source and serves as a viable alternative to fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Some common types of biofuels are biodiesel and ethanol, among others, which are widely used in the transportation sector.

Biofuels have been around as long as humans have been able to control fire as early humans burned wood, a type of biomass, for warmth and cooking. In the 19th century, before the widespread use of petroleum, some early internal combustion engines were designed to run on biofuels like ethanol.

The development of modern biofuels began in earnest as a response to the oil crises in the 1970s. This led to increased interest in finding sustainable, renewable fuel sources. Brazil launched its Proálcool program (Ethanol Program) in the 1970s, which was one of the first large-scale biofuel programs in the modern era, aimed at reducing its dependence on imported oil.

Key Trends in the Market

Growing demand for eco-friendly fuel

One of the major biofuels market trends is the increasing preference for clean fuel and the rising awareness regarding the environmental impact of traditional fuels. Biofuels can be produced from oils and animal fats, sugar and starch crops, and cellulose, among others, emit fewer carbon emissions, and enhance the air quality of a surrounding.

The increasing severity of climate change impacts has led to a global consensus on the need to reduce carbon emissions and biofuels are seen as a key part of the solution in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Global agreements like the Paris Agreement have prompted countries to look for ways to decrease their carbon footprints and this includes adopting renewable energy sources, of which biofuels are a significant component.

There is a growing segment of consumers who are environmentally conscious and prefer products and services that have a lower environmental impact. This includes a preference for vehicles and machinery that use clean fuels like biofuels.

Favourable initiatives and measures by various governments

Governments globally are focusing on reducing their dependency on fossil fuels due to depleting petroleum resources and energy shortages. Moreover, the rising attempts to reduce oil imports amid increasing concerns about supply chain disruptions and price volatility are supporting the biofuels market growth.

Many governments around the world are implementing policies to encourage the production and use of biofuels. These include mandates for blending biofuels with traditional fuels, subsidies for biofuel production, and tax incentives.

Regulations like the Renewable Fuel Standard in the United States require a certain volume of renewable fuel such as biofuel to replace or reduce the quantity of petroleum-based transportation fuel, heating oil, or jet fuel. Providing tax incentives to both producers and consumers of biofuels is also expected to lower the cost and increase the attractiveness of biofuels compared to fossil fuels.

Rising innovations in the biofuels sector

Increasing research activities aimed at developing innovative technologies for the production of low-carbon and affordable fuels are likely to aid the biofuels market demand in the forecast period. Besides, surging investments aimed at developing biofuels from innovative raw materials such as algae are anticipated to bolster the market in the coming years.

Research aims to make biofuel production more efficient, reducing both the cost and the environmental footprint of biofuels. For example, developing methods to convert non-food biomass more effectively into biofuels can significantly lower production costs.

Ongoing research into second-generation biofuels (derived from non-food crops) and third-generation biofuels (such as algae-based biofuels) focuses on using feedstocks that don't compete with food sources and have a lower environmental impact. Innovative technologies are also being developed to reduce the total lifecycle emissions of biofuels, from cultivation and production to transportation and use.

Biofuels Market Segmentation

The EMR’s report titled “Global Biofuels Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Product:

• Biodiesel
• Ethanol
• Wood Pellets
• Others

Market Breakup by Form:

• Solid Biofuel
• Liquid Biofuel
• Gaseous Biofuel

Market Breakup by Feedstock:

• Corn
• Sugarcane
• Vegetables Oils
• Others

Market Breakup by Application:

• Transportation
• Aviation
• Energy Generation
• Heating
• Others

Market Breakup by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Market Share by Application

The transportation sector accounts for a significant biofuels market share. With the increasing attempts to decarbonise transportation modes, there has been a rapid shift towards biofuels. Emerging economies like India, Brazil, and Indonesia are witnessing a surge in the use of diesel and gasoline vehicles, surging the usage of biofuels as blending agents.

Transportation is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2. Switching to biofuels can help reduce these emissions, as biofuels generally have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional fossil fuels. Many governments have implemented mandates that require a certain percentage of transportation fuels to be blended with biofuels. These mandates directly increase the use of biofuels in the transportation sector.

Governments often offer economic incentives to encourage the use of biofuels in transportation, such as tax breaks or subsidies for biofuel producers and consumers. Some regions have also begun using biofuels in public transportation fleets, such as buses and taxis, further increasing the demand for biofuels.

Market Share by Region

As per the biofuels market analysis, the demand and production of biofuels is significantly growing in Latin America and North America. Brazil has emerged as a leading producer of biofuels due to its high sugarcane yield.

Both Latin America and North America have governments that actively support biofuel production and usage through mandates, subsidies, and tax incentives. For example, the Renewable Fuel Standard in the United States mandates the blending of renewable fuels with gasoline, increasing the demand for biofuels. Latin America, with countries like Brazil and Argentina, has vast agricultural lands and favourable climates for growing biofuel feedstocks, such as sugarcane and soybeans.

Both regions are focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and biofuels are viewed as a key component in achieving these environmental goals due to their renewable nature and lower carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels.

The Asia Pacific also represents a significant portion of the market share, aided by the growing demand for liquid biofuels and the increasing export-driven demand for the product. Governments in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and India are also introducing blending targets and ethanol policies. Moreover, diverse climate conditions, ranging from subtropical and temperate to tropical zones, in the region are surging the cultivation of palm, sugarcane, and oilseed, significant raw materials of biofuels.

Competitive Landscape

The comprehensive EMR report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on the Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis. The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global biofuels market, covering their competitive landscape and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, investments and expansion plans.

Wilmar International Ltd.

Wilmar International Ltd., founded in 1991, is an agriculture business, headquartered in Singapore. It encompasses the agricultural commodity value chain, ranging from cultivation and milling to the development of industrial agri-products and animal feeds. The company owns 500 manufacturing facilities, and its products are distributed in over 50 regions and countries.

Shell Plc

Shell Plc is a prominent petrochemicals and energy company, with its headquarters in London, the United Kingdom. Established in 1907, the company aims to drive the transition towards clean and sustainable energy solutions. It has a wide presence in over 70 countries, and it is involved in integrated gas and upstream exploration, renewable, downstream, and energy solutions, and greenhouse gas management, among others.

Chevron Corporation

Chevron Corporation is a renowned integrated energy company that intends to offer clean, reliable, and affordable energy. It is engaged in the manufacturing of petrochemicals, transportation fuels, additives, and lubricants, and is known as a prominent producer of natural gas and crude oils.

Other biofuels market players include Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill, Incorporated, BP Plc, Green Plains Inc., Abengoa S.A., Gevo, Inc., and POET, LLC, among others.