Biofuel potential 'needs exploration'
Crops could hold answer to future energy needs
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Monday, 16, Oct 2006 02:48
A new study launched today aims to explore the potential of biofuels to help the UK meet its energy needs.
The Royal Society (RS), an independent academy promoting the natural and applied sciences, will focus their analysis on how scientific developments could address problems with biofuels currently on the market.
These include competition between food crops and fuel crops and issues with the efficiency of the production process.
If these are addressed then the RS believes biofuels could potentially provide more economic, low-carbon fuel for cars and other forms of transport.
Government targets aim to cut emissions of greenhouse gases by 23 to 25 per cent by 2010 - nearly double the target set by the Kyoto treaty.
A consultation to discuss how to reach this target was launched last week, with Labour's trade and industry secretary Alistair Darling admitting that getting there would be "tough".
'Green' energy sources such as biofuels are expected to be a vital utility in meeting the UK's energy needs whilst achieving emissions targets.
Professor John Pickett, chair of the RS 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."
Individuals and organisations are invited to contribute to the working group, the findings of which are expected to be published in the autumn of next year.