Latest news

From Oil to Biofuel: the case of France

In France, the shift toward renewable heating is accelerating with the introduction of sustainable biofuels such as FAME, produced from vegetable oils and recycled fats. Recent CETIAT tests show that rapeseed-based biofuels can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 58% and reduce particulates by up to 60%, offering a practical way to decarbonise heating without replacing existing systems.

Biofuel, also known as FAME or EMAG, is produced from renewable raw materials, including vegetable oils, recycled cooking fats, and animal fats. Through a process called transesterification, these raw materials are transformed into a liquid fuel suitable for use in existing heating systems, either as a pure product (F100) or blended with conventional domestic heating oil. This allows French households and businesses to continue using proven, efficient heating technologies while progressively reducing their carbon footprint.

Recent laboratory tests with F55 and F100 fuels conducted in France by CETIAT confirm the environmental and technical benefits of biofuels. Rapeseed-derived biofuel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 58% compared to standard domestic heating oil. Its intrinsic oxygen content improves combustion efficiency and reduces particulate emissions by up to 60% with F100 blends and 30% with F50 blends. These laboratory results will be verified in field trials with volunteer consumers during the 2025–2026 winter. The tests, supervised by CETIAT, will lead to a request for official approval of these new fuels from French public authorities.

However, some technical aspects require particular attention. Pure biofuel behaves differently from conventional oil: it acts as a solvent, can solidify at lower temperatures, and interacts with certain materials. To ensure compatibility, components such as tanks, pipes, and burner parts must be made from resistant materials such as stainless steel, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and fluorocarbon elastomers. Proper storage conditions—avoiding water infiltration and keeping temperatures above the cold flow limit—help maintain the fuel’s quality and reliability.

When these factors are taken into account, biofuel is a safe, biodegradable, and efficient energy carrier. Its high flash point and stable combustion characteristics make it suitable for both new and existing installations. With regular maintenance and system checks, heating with renewable liquid fuels can match the reliability and comfort that French consumers expect from traditional systems.

For policymakers and industry stakeholders, biofuels represent a credible and scalable contribution to France’s decarbonisation goals. They allow the gradual substitution of fossil energy without forcing households into costly system changes, ensuring a socially fair and technologically neutral energy transition.

The story of biofuels is one of continuity and innovation, transforming used oils and renewable resources into sustainable heat. With CETIAT’s latest laboratory tests confirming their performance, France now has the opportunity to significantly reduce emissions while keeping heating choices open for both households and businesses.