about biofuels
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are biofuels?
A. A biofuel is a fuel made from biomass - organic material, such as wheat or rapeseed - which contains stored energy from the sun in the form of chemical energy. This stored chemical energy is then converted into a liquid fuel called a biofuel. Biofuels are blended with conventional fossil fuels, and can produce significant environmental benefits by reducing CO2 emissions; emissions are reduced, as the crops used to produce bioethanol absorb CO2 as they grow. Bioethanol is produced using fermentation of starches and sugars from crops such as sugar beet and wheat.
Q. Good versus bad biofuels?
A. The UK have lead the way in developing a sustainability standard that fuel suppliers must report against under the RTFO. Europe has adopted similar standards in the RED. These standards address sustainability concerns and Vivergo will source only feedstocks approved to schemes that meet the market criteria.
Q. Why not hold off on biofuels whilst more advanced techniques are being tested?
A.It is anticipated that commercial production of bioethanol from second generation technologies will not be available for several years. CO2 emissions from the transport sector have risen over the last 15 years in contrast to other industry sectors which have seen significant decreases over the same timeframe. Sustainable, low carbon bioethanol is available now and can help to reduce CO2 emissions from the transport sector immediately. The use of first generation bioethanol is therefore vital if we are to see reductions from the transport sector and build a platform for the development of second generation technologies.
Q. Where can I buy bioethanol for my car?
A. Bioethanol is already mixed with petrol in the UK and sold at a number of filling stations around the country. Fuel quality standards specify the maximum amounts of biofuels to be blended in road transport fuels in order to ensure compatibility with standard vehicles' fuel performance, engine components and fuel systems. The current fuel quality standard in the EU allows for up 5% bioethanol to be blended with standard gasoline. Higher blends can be used in specific applications when vehicles have been specifically designed or modified to use them (e.g. Flex Fuel vehicles).
Q. Are crops for biofuels the reason the price of food has increased?
A. Recent rises in the price of food are a result of many factors, including poor weather, poor harvests, increased energy prices, and increased food demand in emerging economies.
Additional demand for any crop will have some effect on prices over time, however a large proportion of the costs can be associated with energy costs for transport, processing, storage, as well as advertising the product.
Q. Will biofuels mean people will go hungry?
A. Worldwide there is currently plenty of uncultivated arable land that can be used for producing crops. The biggest problems with food supply are not shortage of land but political instability and lack of investment. The new market for crops provided by biofuels will ensure that farmers in the UK, and in developing countries, get fair prices for what they grow. Some experts believe this could increase investment into the agricultural industry and boost countries economies.
Not all suitable agricultural land is in use at present and farmers will respond to increased demand by additional planting/production, and in times of crisis these crops will still be suitable for food and can easily be diverted into food production.
Q. Will Biofuels deliver the GHG savings anticipated?
A. The recently agreed European Renewable Energy Directive sets out minimum requirements for a 35% saving of GHG from biofuels over standard petrol from 2010. This increases to 50% in 2017. Vivergo bioethanol is expected to deliver GHG savings in excess of 50% from the start of production in 2011.
Q. Where can I get more information on the regulation of biofuels?
A. You may find the below websites useful for learning more about the biofuels industry
www.dft.gov.uk - This is where you can learn more about the Department for Transport and access the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO).
www.dft.gov.uk/rfa - The Renewable Fuels Agency (RFA) administer the UK RTFO for the Government.
www.defra.gov.uk - The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is useful for gaining an understanding of the agricultural industry and sustainability.
www.r-e-a.net - The Renewable Energy Association (REA) represent the UK renewable industry.
http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/energy_transport/index_en.htm - This is the where you can learn about the EU Government body; Directorate-General for Transport and Energy (DG TREN).
www.ebio.org/ - eBio represent European bioethanol producers.
www.biofuelsnow.co.uk - "The definitive source for information on biofuels".