EU GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FALL BY 4% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2024

In the first quarter of 2024, greenhouse gas emissions from the European Union dropped by 4%, amounting to an estimated 894 million tonnes of CO2-equivalents (CO2-eq). This is a notable decrease from the 931 million tonnes recorded during the same period in 2023. Despite this significant reduction, the EU economy showed resilience, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing by a modest 0.3% year-on-year.

The ALFAFUELS project is poised to contribute to the ongoing efforts in reducing emissions. As a Horizon Europe initiative, ALFAFUELS focuses on advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) technology to decrease aviation’s reliance on fossil fuels. By addressing sustainability and high production costs, the project integrates innovative technologies like microbial fuel precursor production and solar-driven photochemistry. With its goal of reaching Technology Readiness Level 5, ALFAFUELS aims to scale up SAF production from CO₂, directly reducing aviation-related emissions.

Through CO₂ capture and utilisation in SAF production, ALFAFUELS plays a crucial role in decarbonising the aviation sector and fostering a circular economy. This aligns with the EU’s broader sustainability agenda, ensuring that emissions reductions can be achieved alongside economic stability.

According to Eurostat, the most significant emissions reductions occurred in the electricity and gas supply sectors (-12.6%) and households (-4.4%). Twenty EU countries saw declines in emissions, with Bulgaria (-15.2%), Germany (-6.7%), and Belgium (-6.0%) leading the way. Despite economic contractions in 8 countries, 12 others—including Spain, France, and Italy—achieved emissions reductions while continuing to grow, highlighting the balance between environmental sustainability and economic progress.

Source: eurostat