According to Global Footprint Network, Portugal’s environmental performance has been deteriorating, with the country already exhausting the natural resources that would be available to it for the entire year 2025 as early as May. In a context where decarbonization and the preservation of ecosystems are urgent priorities, it is essential to invest in sustainable solutions that do not compromise the environmental balance or the availability of resources for future generations, the statement said.
According to the same source, advanced biofuels — produced from waste such as used cooking oils, coffee grounds, expired sauces, among others — emerge as a responsible and efficient alternative to the use of fossil fuels and contribute to the protection of biodiversity and the mitigation of climate change.
“Protecting nature requires solutions that are up to the environmental challenges of our time. Advanced bioenergy is one of those solutions: it transforms waste into clean energy, avoids resource waste, and actively contributes to emission reductions and the preservation of ecosystems. It is a concrete example of how innovation can go hand in hand with the conservation of nature,” says Ana Calhôa, Secretary-General of the Advanced Bioenergy Association (ABA).
To mark World Nature Conservation Day, the ABA shares four essential truths about advanced biofuels and their role in environmental preservation:
1 | They value waste and promote resource reuse
Advanced bioenergy is produced from residual feedstocks that, otherwise, would be improperly discarded. By transforming what is seen as “trash” into clean energy, this model helps reduce waste, without the need to resort to dedicated crops or additional resources.
2 | They help prevent soil and water pollution
One liter of used cooking oil can contaminate up to one million liters of water, according to the Portuguese Environment Agency. Its reuse for energy purposes prevents harmful discharges and contributes to the quality of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
3 | They can be used with the current infrastructure
Advanced biofuels are compatible with existing engines and distribution networks, enabling a rapid energy transition, without substantial adaptation costs. This makes them ideal for decarbonizing sectors such as heavy transport and aviation.
4 | They can reduce up to 97% of greenhouse gas emissions
By contributing to a reduction of between 84% and 97% in greenhouse gas emissions compared with fossil fuels, advanced biofuels represent an essential piece in meeting climate targets, both nationally and at the European level.
On World Nature Conservation Day, ABA calls for the appreciation of energy solutions that protect the environment without compromising the future. Advanced bioenergy is more than a choice. It is an essential step toward a cleaner, fairer, and more resilient planet.
