Royal Society launches biofuels study
Wed 18 October 2006
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The Royal Society, the UK’s top scientific body, has launched a major new study into second generation biofuels. The study will address some of the problems with current biofuels and analyse how future developments could help cut carbon emissions from transport.
The study will look at how innovative technologies, such as the use of different parts of food crops for conversion into biofuel, could reduce pressure on the land and lessen competition between food and energy crops.
Professor John Pickett, chair of the Royal Society biofuels working group, said: "Transport was responsible for over 23 per cent of the UK's total carbon dioxide emissions in 2004. Biofuels can offer part of the solution in tackling climate change, but we need to look at both their potential, including what kind of total emissions savings they could deliver, and also any potentially negative issues associated with their development.
"We aim to identify where the scientific breakthroughs are likely to emerge as well as identifying barriers to the further development of biofuels, such as converting existing technology to use the new fuels. We will also be looking at how incentives can be put in place to encourage the research effort and ensure that the UK is at the forefront of biofuels development internationally."
Related Links
Royal Society press release
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