GRFA report: Biofuels reduce GHG emissions significantly

The reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions from global ethanol production and use is increasing annually, says a new report by the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance.

The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA), in cooperation with energy and environment consulting firm (S&T)² Consultants released a new report titled Green House Gas (GHG) Emission Reductions from World Biofuel Production and Use for 2015 at the World Climate Summit (WCS) in Paris.

The report was released to inform debate at the WCS event organized by the GRFA, the Biotechnology Industry Association (BIO), and EuropaBIO.

The report found that year after year the reduction in global GHG emissions from global ethanol production and use is increasing.

The total GHG emission reductions forecast for 2014 is 169 million tonnes CO₂ equivalent, which is more than the total GHG emissions in 28 Annex 1 countries.

‘Biofuels like ethanol are the only cost-effective and commercially available alternative to crude oil and are proven to reduce harmful GHG emissions and help in the fight against climate change. There needs to be stronger policies to increase their use globally,’ says Bliss Baker, president of GRFA.

Based on a conservative annual growth rate of 2.8%, emission savings from biofuel production and use could increase from 168.9 million tonnes per year in 2014 to 264 million tonnes CO₂ equivalent in 2030.

This represents a further 56% reduction in GHG emissions.

‘This report sends a clear message to policy makers around the world that while the GHG emission reductions currently being delivered by biofuels are substantial, the sector can deliver much more,’ Baker says.

The full report is available here.