Latest News
Forestry Investment News
Consultation period begins for next generation bio fuels
04/01/2010
A consultation paper has been published by the Nuffield Council of Bioethics asking for views from the public on the use of forest by-products and other non-food crops in the production of bio fuels.
So called, ‘first generation’ bio fuel were produced from crops of plants traditionally used as food. This caused widespread concern as food prices were driven up and land was used to grow plants for energy rather than to feed people.
However, the new generation of bio fuels are produced from non-food crops and from the by-products of the forestry industry such as wood chip. This type of bio fuel uses less energy to produce and emits far less harmful gases that traditional fossil fuels. In addition, forests that are sustainable and help produce bio fuels are also absorbing harmful CO2 in the atmosphere, helping to reduce climate change.
The consultation paper was published on 22 December and members of the public and experts are welcome to submit their views on the new generation of bio fuels. The Council adds that they could also help to create jobs and income for developing nations, such as Brazil.
So called, ‘first generation’ bio fuel were produced from crops of plants traditionally used as food. This caused widespread concern as food prices were driven up and land was used to grow plants for energy rather than to feed people.
However, the new generation of bio fuels are produced from non-food crops and from the by-products of the forestry industry such as wood chip. This type of bio fuel uses less energy to produce and emits far less harmful gases that traditional fossil fuels. In addition, forests that are sustainable and help produce bio fuels are also absorbing harmful CO2 in the atmosphere, helping to reduce climate change.
The consultation paper was published on 22 December and members of the public and experts are welcome to submit their views on the new generation of bio fuels. The Council adds that they could also help to create jobs and income for developing nations, such as Brazil.
RSS