When renewable energy is discussed, technologies such as wind, solar, and hydropower often dominate those discussions. However, for some critical sectors, particularly transportation and heavy industry, different solutions will be required.
One of those solutions will be biofuels – liquid fuels produced from biological sources. Biofuels have distinct advantages over fossil fuels. They emit fewer greenhouse gases over their lifecycle, with a recent study from NREL showing that emissions of biofuels can be up to 73% lower than those of fossil fuels, depending on the feedstock and production method.
Major agricultural technology company Corteva has become a leader in this emerging field. Its collaboration with Bunge and Chevron to produce renewable fuel from winter canola in the American mid-South demonstrates how growing crops for biofuels does not have to compete with growing crops for food. Whilst that collaboration is focused on the U.S. market, the principles behind it provide a roadmap that many believe could unlock similar benefits for Europe.
For European farmers – and indeed, for Europe as a whole – the growing global demand for biofuels represents an important opportunity
Indeed, the company recently announced a collaboration with global energy company BP, as a part of which the two companies intend to form a biofuels joint venture focused on producing feedstocks for SAF production.
Corteva’s ongoing efforts highlight the broader potential of the agricultural sector in supporting renewable energy goals. By integrating renewable energy production into existing agricultural cycles, the sector can contribute not only to emissions reduction but also to rural economic development. Farmers, often subject to volatile markets, could boost stability and benefit from new revenue streams through the establishment of a robust, end-to-end European biofuel value chain.
“For European farmers – and indeed, for Europe as a whole – the growing global demand for biofuels represents an important opportunity,” Etienne Bouquet, Second Brand Marketing/Licensing Leader, EMEA at Corteva Agriscience explains to The Parliament. “However, unlocking those economic and environmental benefits will depend on clear policy guidance and the development of new cropping systems that allow biofuels to play a more meaningful role in Europe’s energy mix.”
Europe has already embedded renewable energy targets into its legislative framework through directives such as the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). Recent changes to RED regulations, such as the inclusion of intermediate crops, signal a growing recognition that agriculture can play a critical role in achieving Europe’s renewable energy goals. Intermediate cover crops in particular are a win-win – they can improve soil health and generate oil that can be used to make biofuels without interrupting, or competing with, food crop production, since they can be planted on the same land in between main crop cycles.
Alongside such policy reforms, there is also a need to embrace new technology, particularly new genomic techniques (NGTs) that can increase oil content and agronomics – crucial for maximizing yield and ensuring economic viability in biofuel production.
This transition is not without its challenges. Europe has a fragmented agricultural landscape, with diverse climates, soil types, and farming practices. This complicates the widespread cultivation of biofuel crops.
For Bouquet, that balanced approach is critical. He told The Parliament that, if achieved, the prize on offer for European agriculture is substantial.
“The global demand for renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel is expected to surge in the coming decades,” he explains. “In Europe, for example, a SAF mandate begins in 2025 that will require fuel uplift at EU airports to contain at least 20% SAF by 2035 and 70% by 2050. European farmers, when equipped with the right tools and supported by progressive policies, would be well-positioned to seize this opportunity.”
Corteva’s efforts are helping to unlock the potential of Europe’s agricultural sector to contribute to a more diverse and resilient energy landscape. Through advanced biofuel crops, strategic partnerships, and renewable energy initiatives, Corteva is showing how agriscience can be a powerful ally on Europe’s net zero journey.