DfT announces terms of reference for biofuels review
Thu 13 March 2008
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The Department for Transport has issued the terms of reference for the review of the indirect impacts of biofuels which was recently announced by the Transport Secretary, Ruth Kelly. The Renewable Fuels Agency (RFA) will be leading the review, due to be presented to the Transport and Environment Secretaries by 27 June.
The review will focus on recent evidence of the indirect or 'displacement' impacts of biofuel production, both within the EU and internationally, and evaluate for current and future demand and production scenarios:
- the extent to which the production of biofuel feedstocks leads to land-conversion
- GHG-emissions arising from changes in land-use change and cultivation practices.
The review will seek to make an evidence-based assessment of the risks and uncertainty around these impacts and how these can be quantified. It will seek to put the impacts of biofuels into perspective, by quantifying the extent to which the demand for biofuels - as opposed to other pressures - is likely to put pressure on available land resources in the period to 2020. It will also consider the extent to which these impacts would be reduced if advanced biofuel technologies became commercially viable in the medium term.
The review will also consider the impact of biofuel production on food prices and will make recommendations about future biofuel targets. It will also make recommendations on the best ways to manage and reduce the risk of displacement effects taking place.
In leading the work, the Renewable Fuels Agency will seek to draw upon the knowledge of experts from around the world. The RFA will assemble a small team of experts to undertake the study including individuals with specific knowledge and skills in relevant areas.
The RFA Chairman Professor Ed Gallagher said: "The RFA is committed to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases in a sustainable way. This review will give the government an independent, robust and evidence-based assessment of the indirect impacts of biofuel cultivation to inform the future development of UK and EU policy, and help us achieve only genuine carbon savings."
A draft report will be provided to Government officials by the end of May which will inform UK negotiations in Brussels.
For more details about the review please follow the associated DfT link.
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