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As policy makers grapple with the problem of how to decarbonise the transport sector, biofuels remain mired in controversy
Frustrated biofuels producers argue the new EU renewable energy directive will not deliver on transport and, as a result, Europe has no hope of meeting its 2030 climate and energy goals. But other solutions waiting in the wings are changing the debate and adding extra uncertainty to the role biofuels will play in the future
Headache: Decarbonising transport is a tricky business. While electrification is increasingly seen as a solution, biofuels have traditionally been held up in the EU was a way to reduce the sector’s emissions
Bad reputation: Linked to deforestation, the destruction of habitats and smallholders losing their land, biofuels, in particular palm oil, have become embroiled in controversy
Carbon footprint: By fuelling deforestation, and the accompanying release of carbon dioxide, biofuels may be worse for the climate than fossil fuels
Moving forward:Advanced biofuels, or non-food biofuels made primarily from wastes, are seen as holding more promise than earlier offerings, but they are expensive and it is taking time to get them to market
The next step: Other low-carbon liquid fuels, such as power-to-liquids, underpinned by electrolysis-driven hydrogen production, are being touted as having significant future potential
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