Biofuels—At What Cost? A review of costs and benefits of EU biofuel policies
Biofuels—At What Cost? A review of costs and benefits of EU biofuel policies analyzes a range of costs and benefits associated with European Union (EU) conventional biofuel policies.
The study provides a comprehensive overview of economic and non-economic costs and benefits of the EU, quantifying them where possible using estimates available from public accounts, state-of-the-art literature and author calculations. The paper identifies the main cost of the industry as subsidy schemes, which in 2011 were estimated to be EUR 9.3 - 10.7 billion. The study examines the key benefits generated by the industry, including rural development, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and improved energy security, concluding that the social benefits of EU biofuel policies in meeting these policy objectives has, in many instances, been marginal, unclear, or in need of greater monitoring and elaboration. The European Union's proposed tightening of the current emission standard for passenger vehicles is discussed as an alternative, viable low-cost policy measure to achieve the public policy objectives for which biofuels are subsidized. The report provides recommendations to EU policy-makers on reforming subsidy policies and improving data recording in order to enhance the policy formulation process.
The Global Subsidies Initiative published an addendum to the report in August 2013. The Addendum corrects estimates of the size of EU subsidies to biofuels in 2011. It also presents the calculations in full.
Accompanying this report is a Technical Annex that contains supporting research material and data.
You might also be interested in
Assessment of Fossil Fuel Subsidies in Canada
This report evaluates a potential fossil fuel subsidy provided to the Canadian oil industry through the Government of Canada's expansion and continued operation of the Trans Mountain Pipeline (TMP) using the government's new fossil fuel subsidies assessment framework as the basis for analysis.
Leaders’ Club Cuts Fossil Fuel Finance but Falls Short on Clean Energy Support
Signatories of the Clean Energy Transition Partnership have cut their international public finance for fossil fuels dramatically since signing the agreement but are underdelivering on the clean finance pledge.
Revitalizing International Fossil Fuel Subsidy Phase-Out Commitments Through Roadmaps, Closing Loopholes, and Support
A new approach outlines how countries can strengthen fossil fuel subsidy reform commitments with time-bound roadmaps, closing loopholes, and support for lower-income countries.
How Fossil Fuels Drive Inflation and Make Life Less Affordable for Canadians
New report takes closer look at how Canada’s dependence on fossil fuels impacts energy costs and prices of essentials such as transportation, home heating, and housing.