OFID criticizes first-generation biofuels

LONDON, Mar. 20 — First-generation biofuels are threatening food security in developing nations, and there is no guarantee that this approach will reduce greenhouse gases and foster rural development, according to a report commissioned by the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).

Speaking at the fourth International OPEC seminar in Vienna, Suleiman Jasir Al-Herbish, OFID director general, warned, “Current biofuels development is being pursued without a thorough assessment of the potential consequences on issues such as food security and deforestation, or the stated potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.”

The report analyzed biofuels development across the world, policy regimes, and support measures. It also quantified the agroecological potential of first and second generation biofuels crops and focused on the impact of transport fuel security, agricultural prices, land use change, and sustainable agricultural development.

According to the OFID study, under current biofuel targets in different countries like the US, the European Union, China, and South Africa, an additional 140 million people will face hunger by 2020. At least 150-240 million tons/year of cereal crops would be required for first generation biofuels and 30 million hectatres of land would need to be set aside for production.

Oil & Gas Journal