Biofuels for Transportation: Global Potential and Implications for Sustainable Agriculture and Energy in the 21st Century

Worldwatch Institute

2006

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In order to assess the ramifications of the large-scale development of biofuels around the globe, the German Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture (BMELV) has commissioned the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and the Worldwatch Institute to undertake a comprehensive survey of biofuels for transportation, guided by the principles of sustainable agriculture, energy, and transport. Building on the input from detailed country studies from Brazil, China, Germany, India, and Tanzania, this report aims to bring the results of focused analysis into the wider international debate. This report is intended as a resource for decision makers, describing existing production methods and policies for biofuels and assessing options for their future development. Parts 1 and 2 discuss current and future feedstock options, production technologies, and potentials. Parts 3 and 4 address key economic, social, and environmental concerns that will be raised by the large-scale production of biofuels. Part 5 details the fuel, engine, vehicle, and infrastructure technologies that may be deployed to facilitate greater use of biofuels in the world’s transportation fuel markets. Part 6 assesses the various policy frameworks being used to promote biofuels, as well as new ideas under active discussion. Part 7 describes the current and future outlook for biofuels in Germany and Europe, and Part 8 provides recommendations for decision makers. This report concludes that biofuels have a large potential to substitute for petroleum fuels and, together with a host of other strategies, including the development of far more efficient vehicles, can help the world achieve a more diversified and sustainable transportation system in the decades ahead. However, these promises will only be achieved if policies are enacted that steer biofuels in the right direction—policies that will need to be adjusted and refined as the state of knowledge advances and as the risks and opportunities of biofuel development become clearer. [Extractos: Preface]

Biocombustibles; Biocombustibles líquidos; Biocombustibles para transporte;