Published:
Heriot-Watt academic Professor Raffaella Ocone is a member of the working group which has produced a new report ‘Sustainability of Liquid Biofuels'. The report was published by the Royal Academy of Engineering and commissioned by the the Department of Transport and the then Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).
The report comes at a very critical time, when the government is set to announce that diesel and petrol cars and vans will be banned in the UK from 2040.
The report clarifies the role that biofuels play in the current energy context and examines future associated challenges. While biofuels will undoubtedly play an important role in meeting the UK`s commitments towards climate change, their production and use would require a very carefully regulated approach to avoid risks and unwanted consequences. The review analyses pros and cons of liquid biofuels including the risks linked to deforestation, land conversion, use of freshwater, etc.
Professor Ocone said, “The report comes at a very critical time, when the government is set to announce that diesel and petrol cars and vans will be banned in the UK from 2040. The conclusions presented in the report are particularly relevant in view of the introduction of hybrid vehicles and in view of the fact that aviation, shipping and haulage have a much more limited scope for electrification.”