Official report says biofuels could supply a quarter of EU transport energy needs
Thu 30 March 2006
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The European Union could potentially source 25% of its transport energy needs from biofuels by 2030 according to the Biofuels research advisory council (Biofrac), an expert working group set up by the European Commission.
According to a report in ENDS, the Commission is also expected to propose an upwards revision to EU biofuels targets in the near future. Heads of government recently backed the idea of an 8% target by 2015, compared with the current goal of 5.75% by 2010.
The Biofrac report aims to provide a long-term framework for policy-making. The Commission has invited comments on the report's findings until 21 April.
Biofrac recommends that EU biofuels production of biofuels is balanced with imports from third countries such as Brazil. While Europe could theoretically produce 360m tonnes of biofuels oil equivalent by 2030 (sufficient for for half of all road fuel needs) this would probably prove too expensive.
The Biofrac report also sees an important role for a European technology platform for biofuels, particularly in helping speed a transition to second generation biofuels potentially offering an improved CO2 balance.
Related Links
Biofuels Research Advisory Council report
Public consultation on the Biofrac report
European Parliament resolution on the promotion of crops for non-food purposes
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