Biofuel feedstock yields ‘overstated’

Estimates calculated for biofuel feedstock crop yields may have been overstated by up to 100%, research by the International Council on Clean Transportation shows.

A prime consideration when developing a viable biofuels policy is whether the biomass calculated is realistically in proportion to the size of land where the cellulosic biofuel will be grown.

The research paper found that existing studies cannot support the scale of biomass production anticipated against even the highest possible crop yields.

The authors are keen to stress that these findings should not deter policy makers from backing cellulosic studies and developments as the industry requires more support not less, if it is to prosper.