This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, signed by 195 countries during UNFCC COP 21 in Paris. As part of their commitment to implementing the Agreement’s goals, each country submitted a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), outlining specific targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the strategies to achieve them. Because the energy and transport sectors account for the majority of emissions, the clean energy transition is not just a component of the NDCs, but the main instrument through which countries will fulfill their climate commitments. According to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the transport sector is responsible for approximately 23% of global CO₂ emissions—and in developed countries, this figure rises to around 30%. The primary driver of these emissions is the widespread use of fossil fuels, highlighting the urgent need to transition to cleaner, low-carbon energy sources for transportation.
This year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that in 2024, global energy demand, including transport, grew by 2.2%—a rate exceeding the average of the past decade. As a result, total energy-related CO₂ emissions rose by 0.8%, reaching an all-time high of 37.8 gigatonnes. This increase contributed to record atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, now approximately 50% higher than pre-industrial levels. The IEA also emphasizes the critical role of renewable energy in preventing further emissions.
Renewable energy sources—whether for electricity generation or as biofuels—remain among the most effective tools for decarbonizing the energy sector and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. NDCs serve as strategic roadmaps, guiding countries in setting energy policies that range from renewable power targets to low-carbon fuel standards in transport.
This focus on clean energy is evident in the NDCs submitted under the Paris Agreement: nearly 90% include renewable energy measures for the power sector, and 67% feature quantified targets specifically for renewable electricity generation. These commitments highlight the central role of renewables in national strategies to meet global climate goals.
The transport sector, the second-largest source of energy-related emissions, has taken center stage in climate discussions and public policy. According to a study by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), transport is addressed in 166 NDCs worldwide. Of these, 144 NDCs (87%) identify transport as a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and a priority area for action. While only 29 countries mention adaptation measures in the transport sector, 119 NDCs (72%) outline specific mitigation strategies. Notably, 14 NDCs go a step further by setting dedicated emission reduction targets for transport. These figures clearly demonstrate that the sector is widely recognized as essential for achieving global mitigation goals, and that the demand for climate action in transport is both strong and growing.
Turning recognition into practical action—and transforming NDC commitments into public policies—is where renewable energy sources like biofuels can play a vital role. Biofuels offer an immediate and scalable pathway for decarbonizing sectors like aviation, shipping, and heavy road transport, where electrification alone is insufficient in the near term.
A strong example of this is Japan, which has not only included transport emission reduction targets in its NDC but also translated them into concrete policy initiatives. In its NDC, Japan committed to reducing overall CO₂ emissions by 60% by 2035 and 73% by 2040, compared to FY 2013 levels. For the transport sector specifically, it aims to cut emissions by 27% below 2013 levels by 2030.
To help achieve a low-carbon transport system, Japan announced in 2024 its intention to implement a 10% ethanol blend in gasoline by 2030. According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), this goal represents a key pillar in Japan’s effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to more sustainable energy sources. Increasing the ethanol blend will help lower the carbon intensity of transport fuels, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and support the country’s long-term climate commitments.
India is another country making significant strides in decarbonizing its transport sector in alignment with its NDC commitments. In its NDC, India explicitly pledged to develop a national biofuels policy, and in recent years, it has taken concrete steps in that direction. India and Brazil have engaged in an active exchange of knowledge and experience, including official government visits, joint seminars, and the co-launch of a Center of Excellence dedicated to ethanol collaboration.
As part of its efforts, India recently announced an ambitious target to increase the ethanol blend in gasoline to 20% by 2025–26. In parallel, flex-fuel vehicle technology has become a key area of innovation and investment, reinforcing the country’s commitment to reducing transport-related emissions and transitioning toward a more sustainable energy mix.
As the host of COP 30, Brazil stands out as a key player in the global energy transition. With more than 80% of its electricity generated from renewable sources and a decades-long ethanol program, Brazil demonstrates how bioenergy can effectively support climate action while advancing rural development and energy security.
Besides, in its NDCs, Brazil committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 37% by 2025 and 43% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. The country also set bold energy goals: increasing the share of sustainable bioenergy in its energy mix to approximately 18% and ensuring that renewables make up 45% of the overall energy matrix by 2030.
To help meet these targets, Brazil launched RenovaBio in 2017—a national policy designed to reduce the carbon intensity of the transport sector by promoting greater use of biofuels. A cornerstone of RenovaBio is its carbon credit market, which allows fuel distributors to offset emissions from fossil fuels by purchasing credits (CBIOs) linked to certified biofuel production.
The path taken by countries like Japan, India, and Brazil demonstrates that international commitments—such as those made under the Paris Agreement—can significantly influence national strategies and shape climate policies, particularly in the clean energy transition. Technological innovation, combined with the availability of ready and efficient solutions like biofuels, offers countries practical tools to implement their NDC targets while also generating economic and social benefits.
The energy transition requires both international cooperation and strong national action. As the world looks ahead to COP 30, there is a crucial opportunity to move from pledges to implementation—turning commitments into measurable progress. With more realistic, actionable plans, the global community can accelerate the shift toward low-carbon transport systems and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, ushering in a new era of sustainable mobility.
