This is the starting place for the Biofuels debate

Dan Sperling — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:13:38 GMT

International Transport Forum Web Debate:

Moving away from fossil fuel: are biofuels the answer?

Introductory Statement by Dan Sperling

Increasing concern about climate change and oil supplies are inspiring new interest in alternative means of transport, including fuels. Many alternatives are in contention, and no clear-cut winner has yet emerged. Some are capable of substantially reducing oil use and greenhouse gases, but are not ready for prime time. Others are economically and technically ready to go, but provide little energy and environmental value. While the future is uncertain, what we can say with confidence is that it is almost definitely going to include a mix of biofuels, electricity, and hydrogen.

The problem is that each alternative is at a different stage of development, and each carries with it a different mix of pros and cons. Even within the category of biofuels there are a vast array of choices.

Attached you will find a short statement I have written to get the debate going. Please have a look, and let me know what you think.

Introductory Statement

A few questions to get the debate going:

1. Are countries right to set volume-based targets for biofuels?

2. Which of the biofuels hold the most promise for the transport sector?

3. Are subsidies designed to reduce CO₂ emissions best used for biofuel production; if not where should they be targeted?

International Transport Forum Debates / Debates / Moving away from fossil fuel: are biofuels the answer?

This is the starting place for the Biofuels debate