Biofuels is an important factor in an active energy policy which seeks to optimise energy use. It does this by safeguarding the energy supplies needed to ensure socioeconomic growth and to promote sustainability.

Renewable energy sources and energy efficiency both play a significant role in the safeguarding of the world’s energy supplies. Many countries worldwide have adopted a series of directives to promote renewable energy sources and to encourage energy efficiency. These directives set legislative framework action to meet a range of energy objectives in sectors such as heating, electricity and transport.

The biofuels directive aims to promote the substitution of conventional transport fuels such as diesel and petrol (derived from oil), with biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol (derived from agricultural crops).