Biofuels: Less Eco-friendly than Fossil Fuel

The quest for sustainable renewable energy has generated some mixed feelings. Policies have been made and implemented to shift from fossil source of energy to agricultural sources. However, the recent scientific findings have raised issues which could cause modifications in the energy policy.

The 2009 Renewable Energy Directive of the EU encouraged the blending of fossil and biofuels in the transport sector.  Studies have shown that the impacts of this policy presently on land-use change associated with agro-based fuels to have worsened the climate more than fossil fuels.

A study commissioned by the EU executive found that agro-based biodiesel has on average 1.8 times the climate impact of fossil diesel, “and this number increases to three times more in case of biodiesel from palm oil”.  This action adversely affects biodiversity, reducing areas’ resilience to local climatic conditions. The goal for food security would be undermined and prices increase.  Energy giants have been aligning their goals towards the policy by investing heavily in agro-based biofuels. These multinational companies would possess more lands to achieve their goal at the expense of subsistence farmers. 

Some scientists have called on their government to consider the damage caused by the EU biofuels policy, requested their commitment not to further key into the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. 

Agro-based fuel accounts for 80% of all biofuels used in the European Union. A proposal for a recast of the directive for 2021-2030 is been considered by the EU executive to use of biofuels in the transport sector by 3.8%. The proposal is currently working its way through the European Parliament before three-way negotiations are held among the European Commission, Parliament and Council. EU governments will discuss the future of biofuels at the Energy Council meeting on 18 December.