EU likely to incorporate indirect land-use changes in biofuels greenhouse calculations
Thu 27 November 2008
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Europe looks likely to include the impact of indirect land-use changes in calculations of biofuels' greenhouse gas impacts according to a report by ENDS. The report says, however, that the law makers are divided on when to incorporate this factor into the calculations.
EU policy makers are discussing biofuel sustainability criteria in the context of the new Renewables Directive. The EU's targets for transport biofuels will require suppliers to provide fuels meeting specific standards for greenhouse gas savings.
ENDS reports that the idea of including indirect emissions in the biofuels calculation had earlier split opinion. The debate now, however, is more about when the indirect effects should be considered from. MEPs want the change included in the formula immediately but member states prefer to wait until the Commission sets out concrete steps for quantifying the impact of indirect land-use change in 2010.
The UK Government recently commissioned a report specifically to examine the indirect effect of land use change arising from the growth of biofuels. The Gallagher Review has led to UK Government proposals to slow down the rate of biofuels introduction and to strengthen carbon accreditation reporting requirements. (Click here for news link)
Meanwhile, two new reports on the future for biofuels have been published:
Management consultancy Arthur D. Little's report is entitled; ‘What future for biofuels?’ This examines the issues facing biofuels producers and suggests ways in which technological innovation and investment can be achieved that are both sustainable and profitable. Biofuels products and investment portfolios are scrutinised, along with suggestions of how to overcome the barriers preventing the wider uptake of biofuels – including concerns over deforestation and food price increases. The report concludes that there is a future potential for biofuels supported by a “structured balance of strict social and environmental impact criteria, industry-imposed sustainability targets, and strategically aligned government incentives and regulation'.
A European Environment Agency (EEA) report - 'Maximising the environmental benefits of Europe's bioenergy potential' - issues a warning that the expansion of biofuels may cause adverse effects on the environment which are in direct conflict with EU environmental goals. The EEA says that uncertainty lies with the environmental standards of non-EU members.
To view either report, please follow the associated links.
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