The role of biofuels in meeting the European Union's energy needs

In this research, the role of biofuels, as one of the biomass-based renewable energy sources, in meeting the European Union's energy needs is examined. The 1973 Oil Crisis and the rising oil prices have confronted the European Union as well as the whole world with an energy supply and security problem. With the 1970s, an increase in demand for renewable energy sources has led to the improvement and heavy use of biofuels which were already being used since the beginning of human existence. Throughout this research, the role and effect of biofuels in meeting the European Union energy needs have been analysed. For this purpose, the data and the reports of member countries, Eurostat, OECD and International Energy Agency have been particularly used. The research results show that the use of biofuels in the European Union has contributed to the fulfilment of energy needs and reducing energy dependence, notably in electricity, heating/cooling and transportation.