Biofuel Emission Reduction Estimator Scheme (BERES): land use history, current production system and technical emission factors

Biofuels appeared to be such a nice way of reducing the climate change challenge: it reduces political dependence on fossil fuel supply, can be done with minimal change to existing engines and modes of transport, and provides new sources of income for rural economies. Calculations of the area needed to make a dent into current fossil fuel use quickly showed that it cannot be asubstantial contribution to energy issues without requiring large areas and interfering with markets for food crops. If biofuel production extends beyond current agriculture, it will often increase emissions of carbondioxide. The net effect will be often a lower estimate of emission reduction than expected, but if high C-stock land is cleared, biofuel use can also increase net emissions. The debate on such emission enhancement has focussed on oil palm in the humid tropics of SE Asia, where forest and peatland conversion currently lead to large emissions – with or without a specific role for oil palm expansion. The public debate, however, has linked the two issues. The EU provided guidance to countries on minimum standards that should be used when biofuels are included in nationalrenewable energy plans. Until 2017, a minimum emission reduction of 35% has to be achieved for any fuel included in the scheme, shifting to 50% by 2017 and 60% beyond. Default estimates are given for major current or potential sources of biofuel. A procedure was established to calculate emissionreduction factors, using a lifecycle approach. Specific market flows of biofuels can apply for exception from the 'default' for the commodity. These procedures create the need for exporting countries and entities to understand the steps in calculation and to do the research needed to get reliable data.

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