UN questions biofuel's green credentials

• UN Energy says biofuels could harm environment
• Biofuels could put strains on land, food and water
• Use biofuels for heat and power, not transport

Latest News

• Ssangyong XIV-2 convertible SUV concept
• Young rural drivers at greater risk
• Renault Fluence ZE review
• Tesla reveals Model X SUV

Running a car on biofuels may not be the greenest option for car buyers, according to a UN report.

While fuel produced from crops is seen by many as an efficient way to cut greenhouse gases, UN Energy says it could actually harm the environment and cause serious social damage.

The report says that if biofuel projects aren't properly planned and implemented, the price of food and land could be driven up. Demand for the fuel could accelerate the clearing of primary forests and put substantial demands on the world's water resources.

The UN believes biofuels do have the potential to improve the lives of the world's poorest people and reduce greenhouse gases, but only if used for heating and power generation instead of transport.

'The development of new bioenergy industries could provide clean energies to millions of people who currently lack them, while generating income and creating jobs in the poorer areas of the world,' the report says.

'Using biomass for combined heat and power, rather than for transport fuels, is the best option for reducing greenhouse gases and also one of the cheapest.'

The UK has set a target of 2010 to sell at least 5% of fuel from biofuels.