World Energy Outlook 2006

Mtoe
20
16
12
8
4
0
} 95% growth
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Brazil United States European Union China India Other
Source: IEA analysis based on F.O.Lichts (2006).
Figure 14.2: World Ethanol Production
from each other and purified. The process also produces glycerine, which is
used in many types of cosmetics, medicines and foods. 6
Total production of biodiesel worldwide remains small compared with that of
ethanol, amounting to about 2.9 Mtoe (64 kb/d) in 2005. Close to 90% is
produced and consumed in Europe. Germany and France are the biggest
producers, followed by Italy, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic and
Denmark. Production has risen sharply in recent years, surging in 2005
(Figure 14.3). Some countries outside Europe, including the United States,
Brazil and Australia, have recently started producing biodiesel. Brazil opened
its first biodiesel plant, using a mixture of vegetable oil and sewage, in March
2005. International trade in biodiesel is minimal as yet.
As with ethanol, most biodiesel is blended with conventional fuel, usually in a
5% blend (B5) for use in conventional vehicles. It is also marketed in some
countries in blends up to 20% (B20) or in a pure form (B100) that some
specially modified diesel vehicles can handle. In Germany, B100 has been
available for several years at more than 700 service stations. Biodiesel’s zero-
6. The co-production of glycerine improves the economics of making biodiesel, but the market value
of glycerine is falling as biodiesel production rises because the commercial demand for non-energy
uses is limited: it may increasingly be used as an energy input to the production process itself.
390 World Energy Outlook 2006 - FOCUS ON KEY TOPICS