Global production fell in 2012 — report
Source: Amanda Peterka, E&E reporter • Posted: Friday, April 11, 2014
The decrease in ethanol production came largely because of severe drought in major U.S. corn producing regions, Worldwatch said. The United States, though, continued to lead in ethanol and biodiesel production in 2012, even though its ethanol production fell about 4 percent, according to the report.
Combined, the United States and Brazil accounted for 87 percent total global ethanol production in 2012. Other top ethanol producers were China, Canada and France.
Top biodiesel producers were the United States, followed by Argentina, Germany and Brazil. E.U. countries collectively accounted for 41 percent of total biodiesel production.
Biofuel demand continued to be driven strongly by blending mandates, such as the U.S. renewable fuel standard, and government subsidies, according to the report. Globally, government subsidies for biofuels were more than $20 billion in 2012.