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The rationality of biofuels

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  • Horta Nogueira, Luiz Augusto
  • Moreira, Jose Roberto
  • Schuchardt, Ulf
  • Goldemberg, Jose

Abstract

In an editorial of a recent issue of a known academic journal, Prof. Hartmut Michel affirmed that “…the production of biofuels constitutes an extremely inefficient land use… We should not grow plants for biofuel production.”, after comparing the area occupied with plants for bioenergy production with the one required for photovoltaic cells to supply the same amount of energy for transportation. This assertion is not correct for all situations and this comparison deserves a more careful analysis, evaluating the actual and prospective technological scenarios and other relevant aspects, such as capacity requirements, energy consumed during the life cycle of energy systems and the associated impacts. In this communication this comparison is revaluated, presenting a different perspective, more favorable for the bioenergy routes.

Suggested Citation

  • Horta Nogueira, Luiz Augusto & Moreira, Jose Roberto & Schuchardt, Ulf & Goldemberg, Jose, 2013. "The rationality of biofuels," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 595-598.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:61:y:2013:i:c:p:595-598
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2013.05.112
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    3. Eva Cudlínová & Valny Giacomelli Sobrinho & Miloslav Lapka & Luca Salvati, 2020. "New Forms of Land Grabbing Due to the Bioeconomy: The Case of Brazil," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-15, April.
    4. Goetz, Ariane & Searchinger, Tim & Beringer, Tim & German, Laura & McKay, Ben & Oliveira, Gustavo de L.T. & Hunsberger, Carol, 2018. "Reply to commentary on the special issue Scaling up biofuels? A critical look at expectations, performance and governance," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 658-665.
    5. Ahmed, Abubakari & Campion, Benjamin Betey & Gasparatos, Alexandros, 2017. "Biofuel development in Ghana: policies of expansion and drivers of failure in the jatropha sector," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 133-149.
    6. Goldemberg, José & Souza, Glaucia Mendes & Maciel-Filho, Rubens & Cantarella, Heitor, 2018. "Scaling up biofuels? A critical look at expectations performance and governance," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 655-657.

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