Biofuels Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Bioethanol, Biodiesel), By Application (Industrial Fuels, Transportation Fuels, Chemical Industry), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 To 2035

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Biofuels Market Overview

Global Biofuels Market is estimated at USD 87.44 billion in 2025, anticipated to increase to USD 91.63 billion in 2026, and projected to reach USD 139.6 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2025 to 2035.

The biofuels market is experiencing growth due to escalating concerns regarding climate change and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diversifying energy sources. As governments worldwide implement stricter regulations aimed at curbing carbon emissions, there is a growing shift towards sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. Biofuels, with their lower carbon footprint and renewable nature, have emerged as a key solution to address these environmental challenges. Additionally, heightened awareness among consumers regarding the importance of sustainable practices further drives the demand for biofuels, fueling the market's expansion.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Demand Declined Due to Falling Oil Prices and Reduced Transportation

The COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Lockdowns and travel restrictions implemented to curb the spread of the virus resulted in a substantial reduction in overall fuel demand, including biofuels utilized in transportation. This decline surpassed initial projections and exacerbated the challenges faced by the biofuels market. Additionally, the plummeting oil prices, triggered by the decreased fuel demand, rendered biofuels less competitive, further dampening their demand. Moreover, certain countries opted to temporarily relax biofuel blending mandates to alleviate the strain on fuel costs, amplifying the downward trend in biofuel consumption.

Latest Trends

Expansion of Feedstock Options to Diversify Supply Chains

A notable trend in the biofuels market is the expansion of feedstock options beyond traditional sources such as corn and sugarcane. Biofuel companies are exploring alternative feedstocks such as algae, waste oils, and non-food crops to diversify their supply chains, mitigate price volatility, and enhance sustainability. This trend not only reduces competition for food resources but also offers opportunities for utilizing underutilized agricultural land and reducing waste.

• According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global biofuel demand rose by 6% in 2022, driven by new blending mandates in over 45 countries.

• The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reported that advanced biofuels from waste oils and residues accounted for 12% of U.S. biofuel output in 2022, showing diversification of feedstock.

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Biofuels Market Segmentation

By Type

Based on type, the global market can be categorized into bioethanol and biodiesel.

• Bioethanol Segment: Bioethanol is an alcohol made by fermenting sugars or starches from plants, such as corn, sugarcane, or sweet sorghum. It can be used as a gasoline additive or a fuel for vehicles with adapted engines.

• Biodiesel Segment: Biodiesel is a fuel made by transesterifying oils or fats from plants or animals, such as soybeans, rapeseed, or waste cooking oil. It can be used as a diesel additive or a fuel for vehicles with adapted engines.

By Application

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into industrial fuels, transportation fuels, and the chemical industry.

• Industrial Fuels: Industrial fuels are fuels used for various industrial processes, such as heating, power generation, or manufacturing. Biofuels can replace fossil fuels in some industrial applications, such as boilers, furnaces, or turbines.

• Transportation Fuels: Transportation fuels are fuels used for powering vehicles, such as cars, trucks, buses, planes, or ships. Biofuels can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality when used as transportation fuels, either alone or blended with fossil fuels.

• Chemical Industry: The chemical industry is the industry that produces chemicals and chemical products, such as plastics, fertilizers, solvents, or pharmaceuticals. Biofuels can be used as feedstocks or intermediates for the chemical industry, creating new markets and opportunities for bio-based products.

Driving Factors

Rising Issue of Climate Change to Foster Market Growth

The pressing issue of climate change has significantly fueled the demand for biofuels in recent years. With a lower carbon footprint compared to fossil fuels, biofuels play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thereby aiding in the global effort to mitigate climate change. Governments and consumers alike are increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional fuels, driving the adoption of biofuels as a viable solution.

• As per the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), transport accounts for nearly 24% of global CO₂ emissions, positioning biofuels as a major driver of decarbonization.

• The European Union Renewable Energy Directive requires 14% of transport energy to come from renewables by 2030, accelerating demand for biofuels in member states.

Diversification in Energy Sources to Elevate Market Expansion

Biofuels serve as a key component in diversifying energy sources, offering nations and regions a means to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. This diversification not only enhances energy security, but also provides economic benefits by reducing vulnerability to fluctuations in global oil markets. For countries lacking substantial domestic oil reserves, biofuels offer a strategic alternative, mitigating the risks associated with overreliance on imported energy resources. As such, the drive to diversify energy sources has become a significant driving force behind biofuels market growth.

Restraining Factor

Feedstock Availability and Sustainability to Potentially Constrain Production Scalability

One of the key restraining factors in the biofuel market is the limited availability of feedstock and competition with food production. Biofuel production competes with food production for agricultural land and resources, leading to concerns about food security and deforestation. Additionally, fluctuations in feedstock prices and availability can impact the profitability and sustainability of biofuel production. These challenges, coupled with the associated costs and complexities, have the potential to impede production scalability and trigger concerns regarding environmental implications.

• According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about 33% of global maize production is used for biofuel feedstock, creating competition with food supply.

• The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) notes that feedstock price fluctuations contribute to nearly 25% variation in biofuel production costs, restraining profitability.

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Biofuels Market Regional Insights

North America to Lead the Global Market Due to Region’s Diverse Feedstock Resources

The market is primarily segregated into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America holds the largest global biofuels market share, owing to its high production and consumption of biofuels globally, alongside unparalleled advancements in technology and innovation. The region is rich in diverse feedstock resources essential for biofuel production, including corn, soybeans, and waste oils, further bolstering its leading position. With supportive policies, heightened environmental consciousness, and a rising demand for renewable energy, North America is poised to sustain its dominance in the biofuels market in the foreseeable future.

Key Industry Players

Key Players Focus on Partnerships to Gain a Competitive Advantage

Prominent market players are making collaborative efforts by partnering with other companies to stay ahead of the competition. Many companies are also investing in new product launches to expand their product portfolio. Mergers and acquisitions are also among the key strategies used by players to expand their product portfolios.

• ADM (U.S.): According to company reports, ADM produces over 6 billion liters of bioethanol annually, making it one of the largest global suppliers.

• Neste (Finland): The International Energy Agency (IEA) recognized Neste as the world’s largest producer of renewable diesel, supplying over 30% of global renewable diesel output in 2022.

List of Top Biofuels Companies

• Diester Industries (France)
• Neste Oil Rotterdam (Netherlands)
• ADM (U.S.)
• Infinita Renovables (Spain)
• Biopetrol (Germany)
• Cargill (U.S.)
• Ital Green Oil (Italy)
• Glencore (Switzerland)
• Louis Dreyfus (Netherlands)
• Renewable Energy Group (U.S.)
• RBF Port Neches (U.S.)
• Ag Processing (U.S.)
• Elevance (U.S.)
• Marathon Petroleum Corporation (U.S.)
• Evergreen Bio Fuels (Singapore)
• Minnesota Soybean Processors (U.S.)
• Caramuru (Brazil)
• Jinergy (China)
• Hebei Jingu Group (China)
• Longyan Zhuoyue (China)
• Shandong Jinjiang (China)

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

September 2023: A significant milestone occurred in the biofuels market with the launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) during the G20 Summit held in India. Backed by 19 countries and 12 international organizations, including prominent entities like the World Economic Forum, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank, the GBA aims to bolster the supply and demand of sustainable biofuels, particularly targeting challenging sectors like aviation, shipping, and heavy-duty transport. The alliance also seeks to promote capacity-building, offer technical support, share best practices, and drive advancements in biofuel technologies, signaling a concerted global effort towards sustainable energy solutions.

Report Coverage

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

The research report delves into market segmentation, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods to provide a thorough analysis. It also evaluates the impact of financial and strategic perspectives on the market. Furthermore, the report presents national and regional assessments, considering the dominant forces of supply and demand that influence market growth. The competitive landscape is meticulously detailed, including market shares of significant competitors. The report incorporates novel research methodologies and player strategies tailored for the anticipated timeframe. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics in a formal and easily understandable manner.