In the Kyoto Protocol, Europe assumed the commitment
to reduce CO2 emissions by 8% until 2005. The White Paper of
the European Commission "Renewable Sources of Energy" considers it possible
to double the share of renewable energy until 2010, attributing major importance
to bioenergy.
The traffic sector depends on high-grade fuels, suitable for the operation of existing fleets. While a number of energy sources can be used for stationary energy plants, the possibilities for the transport sector are rather limited. Currently, biofuels (such as B100) are the only renewable sources of energy which can be used in this sector from a technological point of view.
Since the beginning of the 1980s a number of studies on the energy and environmental efficiency of alternative fuels was carried out. Most of the studies caused heated discussions among proponents and opponents on an expert level, but also in the public. An analysis of the most important studies shows that the results only differ slightly.
The studies confirm the positive energy balance, stating that 1 unit of fossil energy is equal to 2 - 3 units of renewable fuel that can be produced. The reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions is also confirmed, the range of the CO2 reduction expands from 25 to 80%. The differences in the results depend on the agricultural practice, the chain of procedures, but also on the quality of the data and the level of knowledge when the study was carried out. The studies describe the actual situation when the study was completed, the technological and agronomical progress however, will improve the results.
More fundamental differences can be found in the interpretation of the data which may be caused by the different interests of the ordering parties.
The results available suffice for a safe assessment of the energy and environmental advantages. An assessment which is relevant to the society has to include factors like e.g. guaranteeing the supply of energy, food and feed, preserving the cultural landscape and improving the foreign trade balance.