The Role of Biofuels and the Global Biofuels Alliance in the Global Energy Transition

The world faces an urgent need to transition to renewable energy sources, and bioenergy—energy derived from organic materials—plays a critical role in the clean energy transition. This article provides an overview of the key data and the scientific advancements driving the global biofuel market, as well as the rationale behind the 2023 launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA). It explores the regulatory challenges and investment incentives needed to align biofuels markets, industries, and firms with particular emphasis on the Global South. The article also summarizes the history and projected demand growth for biofuels, featuring a case study on Brazil’s biofuels sector that offers valuable lessons for other Global South producers and consumers. Conclusions highlight the challenges faced by the GBA and potential solutions to accelerate decarbonization through enlightened multilateralism and global cooperation.