UNICA at COP30 – ” Blending mandates as a manner to contribute to reduce emissions at the transport sector”

Generating demand for renewable energy sources is a key driver of investment and innovation in the energy transition. 

The implementation of biofuel blending mandates—for example, ethanol or biodiesel mixed with gasoline or diesel—has become one of the most effective policy tools for expanding the use of low-carbon fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. 

Today, around 70 countries have adopted some form of blending mandate, at varying levels and with different policy approaches. 

In Brazil, mandates such as E30 (30% ethanol in gasoline) and B15 (15% biodiesel in diesel) have created stable demand for biofuels, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of transportation while fostering investment and innovation across the bioenergy value chain. 

Similarly, India’s early adoption of a 20% ethanol blending mandate, originally planned for 2030, demonstrates how well-designed mandates can create market certainty, generate employment, attract new investment, and accelerate emissions reduction. 

This panel will explore how blending mandates and regulatory frameworks can serve as powerful tools for countries to achieve their decarbonization targets, strengthen energy security, and promote economic development—particularly in emerging economies. 

Speakers

• Dr. Glaucia Mendes Souza, Full Professor and Task Leader, IEA Bioenergy 

• Roberto Braun, Director of Communication and President of Toyota Foundation, Toyota do Brasil  

• Representative of Japanese government 

• Evandro Gussi, CEO of Unica (moderator) 

Venue: COP30 – Blue Zone – Brazilian Sustainable Transportation Pavilion (PV-C64)