Implications and policies about the first generation biofuels: an international and EU analysis
New Medit, vol 10, n.3, (September 2011), pp. 56-64
Language: EN
Jel classification: Q27, Q28
The implications associated with the increasing trade in both raw materials and biofuels show several issues worldwide. The main ones are related to the “food versus fuel” debate, the exploitation of areas with high carbon stock, the direct and indirect effects in the developing countries, the link between fossil fuels and biofuels prices, the effects of the support policies by governments and the establishment of sustainability standards and certification schemes for biofuels. In this sense, the concerns expressed by international organizations and European ones in the development of common schemes to authenticate the origin of biofuels and/or raw materials according to certain requirements, such as the conservation and protection of ecosystems. The authors’ research aims to describe the current status of production and trade of the biodiesel and bioethanol, the so-called biofuels of the first generation, and the several economic, social and environmental concerns about this sector. Furthermore, the recent evolution of the world and the European trade of these biofuels have been analysed for underlining the positive oncoming developments and, at the same time, the implications that this will bring.
international trade, first generation biofuels, support policies, sustainability criteria
