Reply to commentary on the special issue Scaling up biofuels? A critical look at expectations, performance and governance

Carbon pricing and planetary boundaries

“…This analysis assumes biofuels are produced using the same inputs as food and feed, reflecting current production patterns (with biofuel production using between 1 and 3% of total cropland area, see ref. 21 ). When biofuels of this type are phased out in favor of those not competing directly with food crops for land, either by policy (as required by a new EU Renewable Directive) or technology change (so-called second-generation biofuels), then biofuels may be considered instead as one among other renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.…”

“…We also consider the effect of reducing current subsidies for biofuel production as a complementary policy. Such a policy has at times been suggested 21 and is, in fact, implied by the EU Energy Directive that seeks to limit biofuel usage from food and feed crops. We find that the combination of carbon pricing and reduction in biofuel subsidies appears able to ease all of the planetary pressures.…”

Land Grabbing and Home Country Development

“…52 | This finding is not unique to the British case. See Hunsberger et al (2017) and Goetz et al (2018). 53 | Renewable Fuels Agency (2008.…”

Biofuel Certification Performance: A Review & Analysis

“…A precautionary step is required to assure awareness of biodiesel development and their performance with complete understanding of what could be worked, what could not and why. It also involves analysis of action to be taken to improve outputs and reduce risks during analysing biofuel role (Goetza et al, 2018).…”