Publication

Biofuels are widely recognized as a climate-friendly alternative to gas and diesel in the transport sector, usually requiring no additional investment in engine technology. The European Union has thus committed itself to increasing the share of biofuels in transport from less than 2% currently to a minimum of 10% by the year 2020. This move was inspired by growing concerns about climate change, high dependence on crude oil imports and expected economic benefits in terms of employment, especially in rural areas. But this target is now itself the subject of growing concern, as doubts about the environmental and economic efficiency of biofuels increase.