EU biofuels claim challenged by academic study

 

 

euractiv.com
31 July 2012

 

German researchers have unveiled evidence suggesting that EU claims, according to which locally-produced rapeseed biodiesel cut back at least 38% of greenhouse gases (GHG) compared with fossil fuels,  are unfounded.

Two experts at Jena’s Schiller University in eastern Germany used the same calculation system as that applied by the European Commission, but found that in eight out of 12 scenarios rapeseed biodiesel failed to meet the 35% GHG savings level or threshold stipulated by the 2009 renewable energy directive, and normally falls below 30%.

The findings by academics Gernot Pehnelt and Christoph Vietze come as the rapeseed harvest is in full swing in producing countries, such as France and Germany – and prices for the feedstock are increasing.

Biofuel use is increasing in attempt to cut emissions

They also coincide with new proposals to cut carbon emissions from new cars to 95 grams per kilometre – partly by relying more extensively on blending biofuels with conventional petrol and diesel. Civil and military aviation is also stepping up the experimental use of biofuels in jet engines.

The German experts used publicly available data for their research, which they claimed is more comprehensive than other independent analysis, but said their investigations had been hampered by the EU’s refusal to release all its data. Requests for information from the Joint Research Centre went unanswered, they said.

Read more: EU biofuels claim challenged by academic study

 

Related posts:

  1. Farm bodies challenged by new anti-treaty group
  2. High Court rejects Thomas Pringle’s claim that the ESM treaty is unconstitutional
  3. Satellite study: Asian glaciers growing ice rather than shrinking
  4. 60 Days in Jail + A Fine for Home Bible Study!
  5. Study: More than 1.8m survive on €100 or less a month
  6. Being yes men of Europe has got Ireland nowhere

Views: 0

You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

Leave a Reply

Powered by WordPress | Designed by: Premium WordPress Themes | Thanks to Themes Gallery, Bromoney and Wordpress Themes