Bio-Fuels No Panacea For Oil Problems
May 15th, 2008
One of the most contentious issues surrounding global warming and high oil prices and possible ways to combat these problems are the role bio-fuels should or should not play. Here in NZ several companies have announced plans to set up bio-fuels plants ranging from traditional grain sourced fuels through to using algae from sewage treatment ponds. Although these initiatives should be welcomed, there is a danger bio-fuels could become over hyped as a solution to NZ’s transport energy sector needs, diverting attention away from other measures which could be taken.
Price Won’t Be Affected. It is unlikely given the tiny bio-fuels target set by the Govt whether alternative fuels are going to have much of an impact on either carbon emissions or total fuel consumption. Furthermore, it is unclear what proportion of NZ’s total liquid transport fuel demands could be met by bio-fuels without damaging key export sectors such as farming. It is also possible a large proportion of the public may be under the misapprehension the mass production of bio-fuels will lead to significant reductions in fuels costs. In reality the economics of bio-fuel production are only shaping up as viable due to high oil prices.
Focus On Efficiency. As has been pointed out by the Road Transport Forum and Toll Holdings making better use of existing fuel supplies by boosting the efficiency of existing transport operations is a better option for cutting emissions. Moving to heavier vehicles on selected routes carrying certain bulky products such as aggregates or raw milk could cut emissions per tonne of freight carried. Toll’s campaign to encourage its train drivers to use more fuel efficient driving techniques has helped it save many thousands of litres of fuel. Applying the same campaign to the trucking industry could result in even bigger benefits. It is dangerous for anyone to think bio-fuels will be our transport saviour.
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