Government rethinks biofuels

21 April 2010

False solution

Biofuels are being promoted as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport.

But research has shown that biofuel targets won't reduce emissions - they might even accelerate climate change.

Biofuel plantations cause massive destruction:

• Forests are chopped down to make way for plantations
• In other areas biofuel crops can take away land from food production

Despite this evidence the Government wanted to quadruple biofuel targets from 2.5% of fuel use last year to 10% in 2020.

EU pushing for targets

The EU are big supporters of biofuels and have been pushing for the target to be implemented in the UK.

This would lead to demand for millions of tons of biofuels from palm oil, soya and other crops.

Turnaround by UK Government

But the Department for Transport has now confirmed that it will not include the 10% target in its National Action Plan on Renewable Energy (due to be submitted to the EU in June).

This is a direct result of sustained pressure from activists and heeding evidence from its own scientific research.

In another positive move the Department has announced that it wants more research into the viability of biofuels as a means to reduce emissions.

Target not ruled out in future

Friends of the Earth applauds the Government's decision to opt for precaution on this important issue.

But major causes of concern still remain:

• The UK is still committed to 5% biofuel use by 2014
• Only one fifth of biofuels used in the UK meet the Government's own standard
• The Government will reconsider the 10% target in February 2011

European policy shift needed

EU legislation still contains a 10% biofuel target for all member states.

While this remains the case the Government will be under huge pressure to implement this target in the UK.

Friends of the Earth continues to campaign for the European target to be scrapped.