Shell urges caution over introduction of advanced biofuels
Tue 01 December 2009
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The chief executive of Royal Dutch Shell said that advanced biofuels will not be in widespread use for 10 years or more. Peter Voser, who took over as head of Shell last summer, says it will take 'quite a number of years' before there is a commercially proven plant for advanced biofuels.
The Financial Times reports that the Shell boss's assessment will damp down expectations that advanced 'second generation' biofuels will soon be able to make a significant contribution to the world's fuel supplies, even though they have received heavy research and development support from Shell and other companies, as well as from many governments.
Second generation biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol made from plant waste such as wood chips or straw, and biodiesel made from algae, are intended to overcome the doubts about the carbon and sustainability performance of current biofuels. They do not use food crops, or compete with food production.
Previously, Shell has been one of the most vocal advocates of "second generation" biofuels among the big oil companies. It has argued that subsidies and regulations to encourage biofuels should be reformed so that they favour fuels that offer a greater reduction in emissions, rather than backing all biofuels indiscriminately.
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