Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
Abstract: Expanding the use of biofuels is controversial because of concerns about competition with food. Here we describe how varying the biofuel demand could help address these concerns. Variable biofuel demand can be implemented through market or policy mechanisms that adjust biofuel production according to feedstock availability, expanding or contracting in response to supply surplus or limitations. Based on a survey, an expert workshop, and relevant literature, the effects of a variable biofuel demand approach are evaluated with respect to food security, agricultural productivity, detrimental land‐use change, and feedstock competition with biobased chemicals and materials. Here we provide evidence that variable biofuel demand can enhance the synergistic development of agriculture, renewable biomass feedstocks and biofuels, but implementation faces several challenges. Recommendations are provided for governance options to tackle these challenges. © 2020 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biorefining published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highlights
Bioenergy is often viewed as an essential and large component in strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit climate change.[1,2,3] The potential competition for feedstock between food, feed, biofuels, and other non-food applications, has emerged as a barrier for largescale use of bioenergy.[4]
This paper presents the outcomes of a project that evaluated potential impacts of variable biofuel production as an instrument to address some of the primary concerns associated with the production of biofuels from starches, sugars, and oilseeds, e.g., using feedstocks such as maize, sugarcane, and soybeans
Respondents to the survey have mixed views on the statement ‘A variable biofuel demand policy reduces the risk of indirect land use change (ILUC) by stabilizing prices and stimulating higher productivity per hectare on existing cropland.’
Summary
Bioenergy is often viewed as an essential and large component in strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit climate change.[1,2,3] The potential competition for feedstock between food, feed, biofuels, and other non-food applications (materials and chemicals), has emerged as a barrier for largescale use of bioenergy.[4]. A variable biofuel demand policy will be evaluated below in terms of potential impact on food security, agricultural productivity, detrimental indirect effects on land, forests, and biodiversity and feedstock supply for the biobased chemicals and materials.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
