Greenhouse gas emissions savings from biofuel technologies

This paper presents the results of recent assessments of greenhouse gas emissions savings for current and future biofuels. The basic features of biofuels and their assessment, in terms of associated greenhouse gas emissions, are introduced. The main aspects of calculation methodologies are explained and sources of current results are established. Variations in net greenhouse gas emissions savings for biofuels due to differences in biomass feedstocks, processing technologies and land use change are illustrated. In particular, it is shown that net greenhouse gas emissions savings for biofuels vary considerably depending on details of the original biomass feedstocks, processing technologies and the final biofuel. Land use, availability and conversion are very important considerations that can eliminate savings. Additionally, calculation methodologies can exert significant influence on estimated savings and it is recommended that PAS 2050 forms the most suitable basis for harmonising methodologies internationally.