December 6, 2015
Today, at the World Climate Summit under way in Paris, France, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) in cooperation with (S&T)2 Consultants Inc., an internationally renowned energy and environmental consulting firm, released a new report “Green House Gas (GHG) Emission Reductions from World Biofuel Production and Use for 2015”.
The report was released to inform debate at World Climate Summit (WCS) event organized by the GRFA, the Biotechnology Industry Association (BIO) and EuropaBIO entitled: “Building a sustainable bioeconomy: harnessing the potential of bio-based products and fuels to mitigate climate change”. The purpose of the event is to:
- Provide informal input into the COP21 agenda from a range of bio innovation stakeholders
- Showcase the potential of biobased products and alternative low carbon fuels to help fight climate change
- Identify policy measures that can enable the low carbon economy and contribute to solving the problem of climate change
The report found that year after year the reduction in global GHG emissions from global ethanol production and use is increasing. The total GHG emission reductions forecast for 2014 is 169 million tonnes CO2 equivalent, which is bigger than the total GHG emissions in 28 Annex 1 countries.
“Biofuels like ethanol are the only cost-effective and commercially available alternative to crude oil and are proven to reduce harmful GHG emissions and help in the fight against climate change. There need be stronger policies to increase their use globally,” said Bliss Baker, President of the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance.
The report also includes production scenarios for 2030. Based on a conservative annual growth rate of 2.8% biofuel production and use emission savings could increase from 168.9 million tonnes per year in 2014 to 264 million tonnes CO2 equivalent in 2030. This represents a 56% increase in GHG emission reductions.
“This report sends a clear message to policy makers around the world that while the GHG emission reductions currently being delivered by biofuels are substantial, the sector can deliver much more” concluded Baker.
The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biofuel friendly policies internationally. Alliance members represent over 90% of global biofuels productions. Through the development of new technologies and best practices, Alliance members are committed to producing renewable fuels with the smallest possible footprint.
Read the original release: Report: Biofuels Contribution to GHG Emissions Offsets Significant