Meeting the global demand for biofuels in 2021 through sustainable land use change policy

José Goldemberg, Francisco F.C. Mello, Carlos E.P. Cerri, Christian A. Davies and Carlos C. Cerri

Energy Policy, 2014, vol. 69, issue C, 14-18

Abstract: The 2013 renewable energy policy mandates adopted in twenty-seven countries will increase the need for liquid biofuels. To achieve this, ethanol produced from corn and sugarcane will need to increase from 80 to approximately 200billionl in 2021. This could be achieved by increasing the productivity of raw material per hectare, expansion of land into dedicated biofuels, or a combination of both. We show here that appropriate land expansion policies focused on conservationist programs and a scientific basis, are important for sustainable biofuel expansion whilst meeting the increasing demand for food and fiber. The Brazilian approach to biofuel and food security could be followed by other nations to provide a sustainable pathway to renewable energy and food production globally.

Keywords: Ethanol; Sugarcane; Sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:enepol:v:69:y:2014:i:c:p:14-18

DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2014.02.008

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