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Variable demand as a means to more sustainable biofuels and biobased materials
Author(s) -
Vural Gursel Iris,
QuistWessel Foluke,
Langeveld Hans,
Kline Keith L.,
Slingerland Maja,
Grassini Patricio,
Kwant Kees,
Elbersen Wolter
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
biofuels, bioproducts and biorefining
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.931
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1932-1031
pISSN - 1932-104X
DOI - 10.1002/bbb.2164
Subject(s) - biofuel , biorefining , bioproducts , raw material , renewable energy , supply and demand , natural resource economics , food security , agriculture , productivity , renewable resource , business , economics , engineering , biorefinery , waste management , chemistry , microeconomics , ecology , electrical engineering , macroeconomics , organic chemistry , biology
Abstract: Expanding the use of biofuels is controversial because of concerns about competition with food. Here we describe how varying the biofuel demand could help address these concerns. Variable biofuel demand can be implemented through market or policy mechanisms that adjust biofuel production according to feedstock availability, expanding or contracting in response to supply surplus or limitations. Based on a survey, an expert workshop, and relevant literature, the effects of a variable biofuel demand approach are evaluated with respect to food security, agricultural productivity, detrimental land‐use change, and feedstock competition with biobased chemicals and materials. Here we provide evidence that variable biofuel demand can enhance the synergistic development of agriculture, renewable biomass feedstocks and biofuels, but implementation faces several challenges. Recommendations are provided for governance options to tackle these challenges. © 2020 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biorefining published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.