Key figures
Monthly data on bioethanol fuel
France is the leading European producer of ethyl (agricultural) alcohol, accounting for 19% of total production in 2023, with Germany in second place.
In 2023, more than 40% of this alcohol is intended for traditional uses (beverages, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, industry). Source : Bioéthanol France
In 2023, nearly 60% of this alcohol is destined for the fuel market (bioethanol).
En 2023, cet alcool est destiné pour près de 60% au marché des carburants (bioéthanol). Source : Bioéthanol France
The French bioethanol fuel industry accounts for 8,900 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, including those linked to co-products (source: PwC study, 2014).
Together with the traditional alcohol sector, the industry accounts for 12,000 jobs. This activity also supports jobs in associated sectors (sugar, starch, co-products for animal feed, renewable CO₂, etc.).
Net of food co-products, the production of bioethanol fuel accounts for less than 1% of France’s usable agricultural land.
The bioethanol blended in France in 2024 saved 73% of CO₂ compared to fossil gasoline, based on a life cycle assessment. Source : DGEC-CarbuRe
In 2023, France’s bioethanol consumption saved 2 million tonnes of CO₂ compared to fossil gasoline — the equivalent of 1,000,000 cars emitting no CO₂. Source : DGEC-CarbuRe
SP95 and SP98 gasoline contain up to 7.5% bioethanol per liter of fuel (either pure or in a derivative form).
SP95-E10 gasoline contains up to 10% bioethanol. It is compatible with 99% of gasoline vehicles currently on the road.
Superethanol-E85 (containing between 60% and 85% bioethanol) averaged €0.73 per liter in July 2025.
Superethanol-E85 is available at more than 3,800 service stations as of January 2025.