KIT sees sufficient biomass for climate-neutral fuels

24.03.2026

Source: E & M powernews

A study by KIT shows that Europe could fully supply its road transport with renewable fuels by 2040, provided certain conditions are met.

In the long term, Europe could cover its road transport fuel requirements entirely from renewable sources. This is the conclusion of a study carried out by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) on behalf of BMW AG. According to the study, it would already be possible to cover more than half of demand with renewable fuels by 2030. The analysis is based on a scenario that is geared towards an ambitious implementation of the Paris climate targets.

The researchers investigated the quantities of biogenic residual and waste materials available in Europe, how these can be technically converted into fuels and how future demand in road transport could develop. The study concludes that the available resources could be sufficient to operate transportation without fossil oil. Thomas Hirth, Vice President Transfer and International Affairs at KIT, is quoted as saying that Europe has sufficient sustainable resources to enable climate-neutral mobility in the long term. This could also reduce dependence on energy imports and contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions.

The study cites a wide range of raw materials as a central basis. These include agricultural residues such as straw, wood residues from forestry and biogenic waste. This is supplemented by catch crops and energy crops that grow on less productive land and do not compete with food production. This diversity helps to keep the raw material base stable.

Great potential for plant residues and wood fibers

Thomas Koch from the Institute for Piston Machines at KIT, who led the study, is quoted as saying that used cooking oil, for example, only makes up a very small proportion of the raw material portfolio. "The really big potential lies in plant residues and wood fibers, for example. These materials are produced anyway - and can provide sufficient climate-friendly fuels," says Koch.

The researchers investigated various technical processes for converting biomass into fuels. These include the production of HVO fuels, in which oil-containing residues can be hydrogenated and used as a diesel substitute. In addition, methanol-based processes were analyzed in which a synthesis gas is first produced, which is then further processed into liquid fuels. Nicolaus Dahmen from KIT explains that these technologies make it possible to use different raw materials flexibly and produce high-quality fuels.

Some of the processes are already in use, while others are still under development. At KIT, corresponding fuels are already being produced and tested in vehicles. The study also shows that the additional use of hydrogen could significantly increase the yield of fuels.

Despite the expected expansion of electromobility, the researchers assume that liquid energy sources will continue to play an important role. Olaf Toedter from KIT points out that a large proportion of the existing vehicle fleet will remain in use for years to come. For these vehicles, renewable fuels offer an immediate opportunity to reduce emissions.

In addition to the availability of raw materials, the study also takes into account the development of vehicle fleets and competition for biomass from other sectors such as industry, energy supply, aviation and shipping. It is based on a favorable scenario, some of the conditions for which still need to be created.

In addition to the KIT, the German Biomass Research Center (DBFZ) and the companies Freyberger Engineering GmbH and BMW were also involved in the study.

Further information on the analysis is available on the KIT website.

Author: Fritz Wilhelm