The recent European biofuel debate as a case study in the politics of renewable energy

Abstract

This study outlines a number of issues of a political nature, associated with the implementation of renewables, with the primary emphasis on the recent European push for the production of liquid biofuels. In recent years biofuels have been gaining increasing attention as a potential alternative to conventional automotive fuels. This potential has recently become an issue in the European Union (EU) with surplus agricultural land being considered for the production of energy crops. In this paper political issues at stake in the promotion of biofuel crops in the EU are examined. A critical analysis is made of the environmental claims put forward in defence of the promotion of these fuel crops and comparisons made with alternate woody biomass fuels. Contrasts are drawn between this case study and other examples of the implementation of renewables including the development of PV in the US and wind power in the UK. Conclusions are made regarding the impact of the issues thrown up on the future development of renewables.