Biofuels
Biofuels have been the subject of considerable debate in recent years: some regard them as a miraculous solution to environmental problems; others dismiss them as an ecological red herring. It is clear, however, that biofuels raise very complex issues.
Everything you want to know about cars and fuel (.HTML)
Biofuels are currently the focus of so much attention because of changes to the climate in recent decades.
Human-induced greenhouse gas emissions have caused the temperature of the planet to rise. The greenhouse gas effect has been aggravated in particular by the emission of certain gases, including those created by the combustion of petrol and diesel in vehicles.
In response to this phenomenon, governments signed the Kyoto Protocol, which aims to reduce all greenhouse gases (GG) by 5.2% between 2008 and 2012 compared with 1990 figures. Governments are currently negotiating for much larger reductions in the medium and long term (-25% to -40% by 2020, -60% to -80% by 2050).
One of the key ways of achieving emission-reduction objectives is through action in the transport sector. This sector accounts for over 21% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union, and the figure is rising. In 1995 the Heads of State and Government of the EU set themselves the ambitious objective of cutting CO2 emissions from cars. Take a look at the Regulations in Europa(HTML).
While it is true that modern vehicles have increasingly lower fuel emissions, these technological advances have been counterbalanced by increases in size, weight and accessories of new models. In addition, the number of vehicles on the road and the average distance covered by each car are increasing all the time. Between 1990 and 2010, CO2 emissions caused by transport could rise by 50%, reaching 1,113 million tonnes, according to the European Commission.
Various methods have been suggested to reach the European targets for reductions in GG emissions per vehicle: improving the energy efficiency of engines, including hybrid vehicles; tax measures; increasing consumer awareness; and improving the quality of fuels. Increased use of biofuels is part of this latter option.
The Commission’s new strategy sets a target for biofuel use as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The average figure for Europe is 120 grams/km per car by 2012.
Although biofuels are mainly of interest to transport policy, they could also be useful as an alternative to petroleum products in other applications. For example, they could be used to make certain types of plastic or in boilers, both in combined heat and power plants and in private homes.
Biofuels are dealt with by the Products Policy (HTML) and Climate change(HTML) services.
A FAQ Biofuels (WEB)section answers those questions most often raised by consumers.
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Published on 10/08/2009 – Page last updated on 10/08/2009