Europe must rethink its energy-transition strategy as geopolitical shocks expose the risks of dependence on foreign technologies, raw materials and production capacity, according to a new study presented at the Cernobbio Forum.
The strategic study, “Sustainable biofuels as a strategic lever for industrial competitiveness, energy security and decarbonization,” produced by TEHA Group in partnership with Eni, identifies renewable-feedstock biofuels such as hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as immediately available tools to cut greenhouse-gas emissions while strengthening Europe’s energy security and industrial base.
The study comes against a dramatically changed global energy backdrop. Crises in recent years have highlighted how Europe’s dependence on external technologies, critical raw materials and manufacturing capacity can create systemic vulnerabilities — raising concerns not only for the bloc’s energy transition, but also for its industrial competitiveness.
The report argues that biofuels can help address those vulnerabilities by diversifying energy supplies, reducing emissions across the value chain and making use of existing infrastructure and industrial capabilities.
“Europe must avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. A transition that replaces one dependency with another does not strengthen the continent, it merely shifts its vulnerability. Biofuels represent a concrete lever for decarbonising transport, as well as for diversification, security and industrial policy. It is necessary to move beyond a predominantly regulatory approach and adopt a more pragmatic and industrial vision, aware of the new geopolitical risks”, said Valerio De Molli, Managing Partner and CEO of TEHA Group.
The study positions biofuels not as a replacement for other clean-energy technologies, but as a complementary solution — particularly for sectors where cutting emissions remains difficult.
“One of the main challenges for Europe is to combine the energy transition with industrial competitiveness and with economic and social sustainability. In this context, biofuels represent an immediately available solution to reduce emissions from the transport sector along the entire value chain, since they are widely available, can be distributed through existing infrastructure and can be used in most of the diesel engines currently on the road.
"Biofuels are a solution complementary to other energy carriers, which also makes it possible to strengthen both energy security and European industrial competitiveness. Eni’s experience shows how technological innovation, together with the enhancement of industrial and professional skills, can drive transformation processes capable of generating value, employment and sustainable development, while at the same time supporting Europe’s competitiveness”, said Stefano Ballista, CEO of Enilive.
The message from the study is clear: Europe’s energy transition must be judged not only by its emissions targets, but also by its ability to secure supplies, protect industrial capabilities and remain competitive in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.
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