Transport now accounts for about 20% of global Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and this figure is growing faster than for any other sector. The growing transport sector has become the main driver for increasing global primary demand. Alternatives to reduce the dependence on oil and simultaneously reduce GHG emission for transport are under development. Biofuels have the potential to address these two issues.

Food versus fuel debate not so simple, says IUCN. The debate currently raging about the global food crisis and whether biofuels are to blame for it is far more complex than it first appears.

Research shows that growing more corn to produce ethanol – creating less diverse landscapes – reduces the ability of beneficial insects to control pests, a loss valued at about $58 million per year in the four states studied (Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin).

In a paper in a special energy issue of Optics Express, scientists describe a method for using microalgae for making biofuel. The researchers explain a way to genetically modify the tiny organisms, so as to minimize the number of chlorophyll molecules needed to harvest light without compromising the photosynthesis process in the cells. With this modification, instead of making more sugar molecules, the microalgae could be producing hydrogen or hydrocarbons.

Publications ranging from the journal Science to Time magazine have blasted biofuels for significantly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, calling into question the environmental benefits of making fuel from plant material. But a new analysis by Michigan State University scientists says these dire predictions are based on a set of assumptions that may not be correct.

Biofuels are being widely touted as a panacea to our energy problems. Barbara Bramble of the National Wildlife Federation explains some of the risks and opportunities.

Europe was first interested in agro fuels for several reasons: the opportunities to diversify EC’s agriculture, to achieve the GHG emission reductions’ goals and to move gradually from dependence on oil.