Biofuels are very important for Italy

April 14, 2026
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Biofuels are an important part of the energy transition in Italy, especially in transport (cars, aviation, and shipping). Here’s a clear overview of the sector:

Biofuels in Italy: Overview

1. Production and scale

  • Italy is one of the top biofuel producers in Europe (around 4th place).
  • Total production is about ~1.2 million tons annually (2024).
  • In energy terms, biofuel production reached about 21.36 thousand barrels/day in 2022.

The sector has grown significantly since the 2000s and is expected to remain stable or slightly increase toward 2040.

2. Main types of biofuels

Italy focuses mainly on:

Biodiesel (dominant)

  • The most widely used biofuel, especially in transport
  • Production around 21 thousand barrels/day (2022)

Bioethanol

  • Blended with gasoline
  • Produced increasingly from advanced sources like wood and agricultural waste

Advanced biofuels

  • Includes:
    • HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) – renewable diesel
    • SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) – emerging sector

3. Feedstocks (raw materials)

Italy is shifting toward second-generation biofuels, using waste instead of crops:

  • Used cooking oil
  • Animal fats
  • Agricultural and forestry residues
  • Organic municipal waste

This reduces competition with food production and lowers emissions.

4. Key companies and infrastructure

The dominant player is:

  • Eni (through its biofuel division)

Key facilities:

  • Venice (Porto Marghera) biorefinery
  • Gela biorefinery
  • New and planned plants in Livorno, Sicily, and elsewhere

These refineries convert traditional oil facilities into biorefineries, a major trend in Italy.

5. Consumption and role in energy mix

  • Biofuel consumption: ~28.6 thousand barrels/day (2022)
  • Mainly used in transport sector (diesel substitutes dominate)

Biofuels are key for:

  • Reducing emissions in transport
  • Meeting EU renewable energy targets
  • Supporting circular economy (waste reuse)

6. Policy and future direction

Italy aligns with EU climate goals:

  • Promotes advanced biofuels over crop-based fuels
  • Investing in:
    • Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
    • Maritime biofuels
    • Waste-based feedstock supply chains
  • New projects (e.g., Sicily biorefinery) aim to:
    • Cut emissions by ~65% vs fossil fuels

Conclusion

Italy’s biofuel sector is:

  • Well-developed and growing
  • Focused on waste-based, advanced fuels
  • Driven by large industrial players and EU climate policy