[ad_1]
Biofuels are classified as renewable. It is produced from plant parts, sludge from sewage treatment plants or residues from food production. During combustion, it causes carbon dioxide emissions, but since vegetation has recently captured carbon dioxide during its growth, biofuel is considered climate neutral.
Based on these conditions, a switch from fossil fuel to biofuel leads to a rapid reduction in emissions. It is a relatively simple measure and speed is important in climatic contexts where it is urgent to reduce emissions. Ideally, they should be cut in half by 2030, according to the UN Climate Panel, IPCC.
Virtually all modes of transport that need fuel – cars, trucks, aviation, ships and industry – have biofuel in their plans for a journey to a less climate-friendly future.
But the fact that the whole world is switching to biofuels does not solve the climate crisis. On the one hand, biofuels are not enough, there are not enough trees, plants and waste to meet everyone’s needs.
Globally, competition for land is often fierce, and the Western world’s investments in biofuels can affect people in developing countries. Large-scale cultivation of feedstock for biofuels can compete, among other things, with food production and threaten biological diversity.
Deforestation to prepare the land for palm oil plantations is one example. Therefore, it has also long been criticized that both palm oil and its residual product PFAD are included in what is classified as renewable.
Currently, most of the biofuel is imported into Sweden, despite the good conditions for sustainable production here. Unlike many other countries, there is arable land here that is at risk of regrowth and can be used.
Government decision Increasing the biofuel mix can stimulate domestic production, but probably also cannot saturate total demand if it comes from all sides at the same time. But it appears in different phases.
The demand for biofuels can be likened to a wave advancing when Sweden and the world must change rapidly to slow climate change. At this time, the wave is advancing on road transport, where the peak will soon be reached. Then the wave can reach industry and aviation.
When it comes to cars, buses and trucks, a second wave of climate work is already underway.
Alternatives such as electrification and hydrogen have grown rapidly, mainly internationally, but now also in Sweden. Electric car sales set a new record here in September, 12 percent.
The government announced Thursday that it will increase the pace of electrification of the transport sector. These are developed electric roads, an electrification commission that, among other things, will review how heavy transport will be electrified. It will also investigate how hydrogen gas can be used for electrical operations and accelerate the development of electric aircraft.
New waves of energy can come quickly.
Read more: The criticized palm oil is more common in biofuels
