Report says biofuel puts developing countries’ water at risk

Increasing agricultural output for biofuels is further expected to put more pressure on water resources, says a new report from India-based research company RNCOS.

Countries struggling with the problem of inadequate water supplies would be particularly hard hit by increased demand for agricultural land predicts the report.
RNCOS, which publishes Biofuel Market Worldwide (2007-2010), cites a study conducted by the Sri Lankan International Water-Management Institute that found, at a global average, 1,000-4,000 liters of water is consumed by the biomass needed to produce one liter of biofuel.

The exact quantity of water that evaporates during the process depends on the feedstock and conversion technique used.

Some Parts of India and China have already reached critical water levels, the authors say, without any attempt to produce more quantities of biofuel.

RNCOS asserts that biofuel will not be environmentally sustainable until alternatives that require less water for feedstock are considered.

The report attempts to answer other key questions, such as opportunities that exist for biofuel in the global market, key drivers and other factors influencing the expansion of biofuels in the world, various government support programs and major biofuel projects.

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