As the World Future Energy Summit takes place in Abu Dhabi, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance called on policy development, business and technology sector leaders to commit to increasing biofuels’ share of the future global energy mix. The goal of the Summit is to advance future energy, energy efficiency and clean technologies.
“The GRFA has demonstrated that increasing biofuels production and use in the future will lower GHG [greenhouse gases] emissions while positively contributing to our economy and reduce our reliance on crude oil,” said Bliss Baker, spokesperson for the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance.
According to the GRFA, biofuels will help shape the future of renewable energy because they are good for the global environment and economy. According to a report commissioned by the GRFA, the global biofuels industry contributed $277.3 billion and supported nearly 1.4 million jobs in all sectors of the global economy in 2010. It is estimated that 85.2 billion litres of ethanol were produced in 2012 which is estimated to have reduced GHG emissions by over 100 million tonnes, the equivalent of taking more than 20 million cars off the road.
Baker continued, “Because biofuel feedstocks can be developed anywhere in the world, biofuels are a significant opportunity for all nations, especially developing countries, to develop and be part of an industry that is making such a significant contribution to global economy.”
By comparison, says Baker, crude oil is having the opposite effect on the global economy and environment. According to the International Energy Agency’s 2012 World Energy Outlook, crude oil is putting the brakes on the global economy and exacerbating climate change. The IEA has characterized today’s energy system as “unsustainable,” which is slowing the economy because the crude oil industry is receiving record subsidies and oil prices are still at an all time high.
“The World Future Energy Summit is the ideal event for the policy development, business and technology sector leaders who want a sustainable and clean energy future to make meaningful changes and concrete plans that break the world’s addiction to crude oil,” added Baker. “Because of biofuels positive economic and environmental benefits, they are an ideal option to make a significant contribution to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. If attendees of the World Future Energy Summit want to improve the economy and environment they must give biofuels a bigger role in the future global energy mix.”