Biodiesel using soybeans as a feedstock has the highest water footprint of all biofuels. Over 11,000 liters of water are required to create one liter of biodiesel from soybeans, whereas the production of one liter of bioethanol from sugar beet demands around 1,200 liters of water. By comparison, the production of one kilogram of beef meat takes 15,400 liters of water.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ can support your business.
Water Footprint Network. (April 24, 2024). Average water intensity of biodiesel and bioethanol production worldwide as of 2024, by feedstock (in liters of water per liter fuel) [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 28, 2026, from /statistics/1463516/water-footprint-biofuels-worldwide/
Water Footprint Network. "Average water intensity of biodiesel and bioethanol production worldwide as of 2024, by feedstock (in liters of water per liter fuel)." Chart. April 24, 2024. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 28, 2026. /statistics/1463516/water-footprint-biofuels-worldwide/
Water Footprint Network. (2024). Average water intensity of biodiesel and bioethanol production worldwide as of 2024, by feedstock (in liters of water per liter fuel). ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 28, 2026. /statistics/1463516/water-footprint-biofuels-worldwide/
Water Footprint Network. "Average Water Intensity of Biodiesel and Bioethanol Production Worldwide as of 2024, by Feedstock (in Liters of Water per Liter Fuel)." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 24 Apr 2024, /statistics/1463516/water-footprint-biofuels-worldwide/
Water Footprint Network, Average water intensity of biodiesel and bioethanol production worldwide as of 2024, by feedstock (in liters of water per liter fuel) ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/1463516/water-footprint-biofuels-worldwide/ (last visited July 28, 2026)
Average water intensity of biodiesel and bioethanol production worldwide as of 2024, by feedstock (in liters of water per liter fuel) [Graph], Water Footprint Network, April 24, 2024. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1463516/water-footprint-biofuels-worldwide/
