WBA news

The World Bioenergy Association (WBA) is pleased to announce the release of the factsheet, “Liquid Biofuels: A sustainable solution for transport sector” – the 13th in the series of publications. Access the previous factsheets here: Link

Climate change is a serious threat facing humanity worldwide. The unsustainable utilization of fossil fuels for our energy needs is the main cause. It is imperative that we reduce our dependency on coal, oil and gas by rapid deployment of renewable energy. We have made considerable progress in the electricity and heating end use sectors while transport sector is a laggard. The transportation sector accounts for nearly a quarter of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, so finding a solution is critical and discovering a path to decarbonize transportation will be central to meeting the international climate goals.

Biofuels offer a sustainable option for transport fuel while also reducing global oil dependence, improving national energy security, cleaner air, generating employment, and promoting economic development. Bioethanol, biodiesel and other biofuels (e.g. HVO, renewable diesel, and cellulosic ethanol) offer much needed renewable fuel options for decarbonizing the transport sector. Biofuels can be produced from a range of different feedstock, from crops like maize and sugarcane to agricultural residues and even the bio- fraction of municipal wastes. This production is carried out via many different technological processes, resulting in different fuels suited to different parts of the transport sector. Moreover, they are the only reliable option in hand to decarbonize sectors such as aviation, maritime and heavy-duty vehicles.

Countries around the world are recognizing the multiple social, economic and environmental benefits of promoting liquid biofuels. Currently US, EU and Brazil lead the biofuel production globally while countries in Asia, Africa etc. are setting ambitious policy targets for promoting biofuels domestically. These range from fiscal incentives to blending and volumetric mandates to greenhouse gas reduction targets. These policies will be especially important for shaping the role of biofuels in their respective markets in the coming years.

However, policy uncertainty remains in many regions driven by misinformation and myths perpetuated about bioenergy and biofuels. According to WBA, liquid biofuels offer numerous benefits and policy makers should incentivize on long term, stable and ambitious policies in line with international energy and climate targets.

Download the factsheet by clicking below.