A 'failed experiment'? Biofuels under the spotlight as EU scrambles for alternative energy [View all]

By Liam Gilliver EuroNews
Published on 02/04/2026 - 7:00 GMT+2
Updated 15:21

Snip...
Biofuels are often touted as the silver bullet to weaning the world off fossil fuels, but they do come with a slew of disadvantages.

Many biofuels are made from staple crops like corn and soybeans, which can lead farmers to prioritise growing fuel over food. This can drive up global food prices and deepen food insecurity, particularly in low-income countries.

Last year, an investigation in Congo found that an EU biofuel project risked the nation’s food security, despite claims that only “degraded lands” were being used.

According to a 2023 study commissioned by T&E, Europe wastes land the size of Ireland on crops for biofuels. This land could be used to feed 120 million people, or could absorb twice as much CO2 if given back to nature.
Snip...

https://www.euronews.com/2026/04/02/a-failed-experiment-biofuels-under-the-spotlight-as-eu-scrambles-for-alternative-energy