UN IPCC report: sustainable biofuels are way forward

UN IPCC report findings confirm that while bioenergy has a significant role to play in society and although more research is needed, existing uncertainties should not prevent the pursuance of beneficial bioenergy options.

The published IPCC report, 'Bioenergy and climate change mitigation: an assessment', released as part of the IPCC 5^th Assessment Report, comes as the EU considers the future of its biofuels policy within its climate and energy policy framework up to 2030.

The report emphasises how EU policymakers should not ignore the benefits offered by sustainable biofuels. EU Commission statistics show that EU transport emissions have risen by 36% since 1990 levels and are now responsible for 26% of Europe's total GHG emissions.

Sustainable biofuels are the only cost-effective tool that is available in the short to medium term to reduce these transport emissions. Currently EU-produced ethanol reduces GHG emissions by up to 90% compared to fossil fuels and still saves significant GHG emissions even when scientifically unreliable ILUC emissions are accounted.

Rob Vierhout, secretary general at ePURE, says: 'Europe must address its transport emissions if it is to be serious about being a climate leader. Sustainable biofuels, such as EU-produced ethanol, are a low hanging fruit in the fight against climate change and must be supported through long term and ambitious decarbonisation policies for transport.'