Land use

In 2003, the EU set a non-mandatory target of replacing 5.75% (by energy content) of fossil fuel-based transport fuels with biofuels by 2010. EU countries have, as a result, introduced their own national targets.

In the UK, the 2010 target is 5% by volume (equivalent to approximately 4% by energy content, assuming an equal split between bioethanol and biodiesel). Calculations based on current average yields suggest that if this were to be met in the UK from domestically produced oilseed rape and wheat for biodiesel and bioethanol respectively, approximately 1.9 million hectares would be required.

That’s 32% of the UK’s arable land.

This level of land required for biofuels alone will have serious impacts on birds and other wildlife

In reality, this target will not be met by domestically-produced biofuels alone. Imported biofuels and biofuels feedstocks, such as palm oil and soy for biodiesel and sugar cane and maize for bioethanol, will also play an important role.

A European study found that to meet the EU’s target of 5.75% replacement of fossil fuels with biofuels would require 14-27% of agricultural land in the EU - 25 if it was domestically produced. The volumes required for the biodiesel target specifically are so large that 192% of 2005 EU oilseed production would be needed - or 14% of the foreseen world production in 2012.

This level of land required for biofuels alone will have serious impacts on birds and other wildlife in the UK and abroad, particularly in the tropics where it is expected much of the imports will be produced. For this reason, the RSPB does not support an increase in these targets until safeguards are in place to protect biodiversity and secure significant and proven greenhouse gas emissions savings.

However, an increase in targets is exactly what we are now facing, as government ministers and MEPS from the EU-27 negotiate two important European Directives in Brussels. On the table is a proposed 2020 biofuels target of 10% (by energy content) – more than double the 2010 target. And, unlike the 2010 target, this one will be compulsory for all member states.

Last modified: 25 February 2008