natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
Bio-energy is at the same time inherently land-intensive and the associated environmental impacts are significant.
Bio-energy is at the same time inherently land-intensive and the associated environmental impacts are significant.
Some key concerns relate to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, depletion of soil nutrients, and excessive use of water.
Some key concerns relate to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, depletion of soil nutrients, and excessive use of water.
Some positive environmental impacts include restoration of degraded land, creation of complementary land use options, and synergies in the provision of fibre and other non-energy products.
Some positive environmental impacts include restoration of degraded land, creation of complementary land use options, and synergies in the provision of fibre and other non-energy products.
The modern concept of a bio-refinery is a highly efficient agro-industrial complex that creates multiple products—food, feed, fuel, fiber and more—thus maximizing the value of land resources and bio-based materials.
The modern concept of a bio-refinery is a highly efficient agro-industrial complex that creates multiple products—food, feed, fuel, fiber and more—thus maximizing the value of land resources and bio-based materials.
There are a range of technologies for efficient conversion of biomass, especially in the case of heat and power.
There are a range of technologies for efficient conversion of biomass, especially in the case of heat and power.
Biomass used for these purposes is generally favoured because they are both more economically competitive and environmentally effective.
Biomass used for these purposes is generally favoured because they are both more economically competitive and environmentally effective.
The fact that biomass can be more effectively used for heat and electricity production, does not rule out its use for transport fuels.
The fact that biomass can be more effectively used for heat and electricity production, does not rule out its use for transport fuels.
GHG emissions from transport constitute a difficult challenge in the EU and are on the increase in most Member States.
GHG emissions from transport constitute a difficult challenge in the EU and are on the increase in most Member States.
There is no way transport emissions can continue to increase, while, at the same time, the overall objective for the EU is to reduce GHG emissions to 2020 by 30% or more.
There is no way transport emissions can continue to increase, while, at the same time, the overall objective for the EU is to reduce GHG emissions to 2020 by 30% or more.
Alternative ways have to be pursued, like:
Alternative ways have to be pursued, like:
- enhanced fuel efficiency , - increased efforts to develop electric vehicles, hybrids and plug-in hybrids and fuel cell cars run on hydrogen ., - a modal shift, giving a boost to public transport, rail transport etc. and - the use of bio-fuels,
- enhanced fuel efficiency , - increased efforts to develop electric vehicles, hybrids and plug-in hybrids and fuel cell cars run on hydrogen ., - a modal shift, giving a boost to public transport, rail transport etc. and - the use of bio-fuels,
While alternatives like hydrogen, electricity and hybrids etc are promising, nobody can tell today which of the technologies at play that will present the most effective response to the energy and climate challenge.
While alternatives like hydrogen, electricity and hybrids etc are promising, nobody can tell today which of the technologies at play that will present the most effective response to the energy and climate challenge.
All options should be kept open.
All options should be kept open.
Bio-fuels increasingly questioned
Bio-fuels increasingly questioned
Only a few years ago bio-fuels were seen by some to be a panacea for a range of global energy, environment and rural development issues.
Only a few years ago bio-fuels were seen by some to be a panacea for a range of global energy, environment and rural development issues.
Today they are widely questioned, both from the point of view of the expected GHG savings but, as well, for a host of perceived adverse effects.
Today they are widely questioned, both from the point of view of the expected GHG savings but, as well, for a host of perceived adverse effects.
Among them are fears that the intensification of bio-fuels production will increase pressures on soil, water and biodiversity.
Among them are fears that the intensification of bio-fuels production will increase pressures on soil, water and biodiversity.
Concerns are also expressed that the expansion of bio-fuels production will negatively affect food security as well as accelerate the destruction of rainforests..
Concerns are also expressed that the expansion of bio-fuels production will negatively affect food security as well as accelerate the destruction of rainforests.
Currently, the amount of land devoted to growing bio-fuels is only 25 million hectares, or about 0,5 % of the 5 billion hectares of global agricultural land.
Currently, the amount of land devoted to growing bio-fuels is only 25 million hectares, or about 0.5 % of the 5 billion hectares of global agricultural land.
With regard to food prices, there are a host of factors affecting them – like adverse weather conditions, reductions in grain stocks, trade restrictions, speculative investment in commodities, growing demand from emerging economies, higher oil prices leading to higher prices on agricultural inputs etc.
With regard to food prices, there are a host of factors affecting them – like adverse weather conditions, reductions in grain stocks, trade restrictions, speculative investment in commodities, growing demand from emerging economies, higher oil prices leading to higher prices on agricultural inputs etc.
The only discernable influence on food prices, related to bio-fuels so far, is the highly controversial corn for ethanol program in the US.
The only discernable influence on food prices, related to bio-fuels so far, is the highly controversial corn for ethanol program in the US.
In assessing the availability of land for energy crops, it is generally assumed that food and feed requirements should be met first.
In assessing the availability of land for energy crops, it is generally assumed that food and feed requirements should be met first.
But energy crops need not grow on arable land.
But energy crops need not grow on arable land.
Instead they can grow on degraded lands, thereby minimizing land use conflicts.
Instead they can grow on degraded lands, thereby minimizing land use conflicts.
In other cases, the same crop may result in multiple products—including food, feed, fuel, fibre and other categories.
In other cases, the same crop may result in multiple products—including food, feed, fuel, fibre and other categories.
The provision of economic incentives for bio-energy crops should therefore be concentrated on degraded, abandoned, or marginal lands where possible, and should aim to encourage multiple products.
The provision of economic incentives for bio-energy crops should therefore be concentrated on degraded, abandoned, or marginal lands where possible, and should aim to encourage multiple products.
The fact that bio-fuels production up till now has not had an overall negative effect on food prices does not preclude it from causing such problems in the future, should bio-fuels production reach much higher levels and/or move into sensitive regions.
The fact that bio-fuels production up till now has not had an overall negative effect on food prices does not preclude it from causing such problems in the future, should bio-fuels production reach much higher levels and/or move into sensitive regions.
Furthermore, as the world faces dwindling and/or more costly supplies of fossil fuels - in combination with increasing population and changing diet - there will inevitably be more land pressures.
Furthermore, as the world faces dwindling and/or more costly supplies of fossil fuels - in combination with increasing population and changing diet - there will inevitably be more land pressures.
The potential tension between, on the one hand, increased bio-fuels production and, on the other hand, food production, biodiversity loss and deforestation have to be taken seriously.
The potential tension between, on the one hand, increased bio-fuels production and, on the other hand, food production, biodiversity loss and deforestation have to be taken seriously.
Difficult trade-offs have to be made.
Difficult trade-offs have to be made.
A particular challenge will be to avoid contributing to further deforestation.
A particular challenge will be to avoid contributing to further deforestation.
The risk for displacement is obvious.
The risk for displacement is obvious.
For instance, when vegetable oils are increasingly used for bio-diesel, forest lands in the tropics present themselves as alternatives immediately.
For instance, when vegetable oils are increasingly used for bio-diesel, forest lands in the tropics present themselves as alternatives immediately.
The only effective way to balance such pressures would be through some kind of a compensation scheme for “avoided deforestation”.
The only effective way to balance such pressures would be through some kind of a compensation scheme for “avoided deforestation”.
Major potential in tropical countries
Major potential in tropical countries
Biomass crops grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions, in terms of energy per unit of land, are 4-6 times more productive on average than typical crops grown in temperate climates .
Biomass crops grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions, in terms of energy per unit of land, are 4-6 times more productive on average than typical crops grown in temperate climates .
Tropical countries have been impacted negatively by the heavily-subsidized agricultural sectors in OECD countries.
Tropical countries have been impacted negatively by the heavily-subsidized agricultural sectors in OECD countries.
Agricultural reform could offer real opportunities, not l east for the LDCs, to modernize their agricultural sectors, using bio-fuels as somewhat of a driver.
Agricultural reform could offer real opportunities, not l east for the LDCs, to modernize their agricultural sectors, using bio-fuels as somewhat of a driver.
The underlying logic for North-South bio-energy trade arise mainly from the large differences in productivity and cost of production.
The underlying logic for North-South bio-energy trade arises mainly from the large differences in productivity and cost of production.
It is therefore natural to recognize the huge potential for effective bio-fuels production offered by many African and Latin American countries .
It is therefore natural to recognize the huge potential for effective bio-fuels production offered by many African and Latin American countries .
Imports from these continents ought to be a favored alternative for the Europea n Union, provided the production is guided by strict sustainability criteria.
Imports from these continents ought to be a favored alternative for the Europea n Union, provided the production is guided by strict sustainability criteria.
However, to develop a bio-fuels industry most low-income countries are in great need of capacity building.
However, to develop a bio-fuels industry most low-income countries are in great need of capacity building.
The recent Commission Initiative, the Global Climate Change Alliance, should be a perfect instrument for this.
The recent Commission Initiative, the Global Climate Change Alliance, should be a perfect instrument for this.
Cautious approach recommended
Cautious approach recommended
Being draftsman of this report therefore feels like a huge responsibility.
Being draftsman of this report therefore feels like a huge responsibility.
The sustainability criteria for bio-fuels are urgently needed, at the same time immensely complex to develop.
The sustainability criteria for bio-fuels are urgently needed, at the same time immensely complex to develop.
If done the right way, bio-fuels should be able to contribute positively to climate change mitigation and energy security.
If done the right way, bio-fuels should be able to contribute positively to climate change mitigation and energy security.
If not, the risk is obvious that the bio-fuels initiative could end in a big failure.
If not, the risk is obvious that the bio-fuels initiative could end in a big failure.
We are presently in the early stages of bio-fuel developments.
We are presently in the early stages of bio-fuel developments.
The policy pursued has to be closely integrated with the efforts for enhanced fuel efficiency as well as the development of electric vehicles, fuel-cells etc.
The policy pursued has to be closely integrated with the efforts for enhanced fuel efficiency as well as the development of electric vehicles, fuel-cells etc.
Moreover, the policy must provide strong incentives for innovation in the way biomass is used.
Moreover, the policy must provide strong incentives for innovation in the way biomass is used.
While research efforts into the next generation of bio- fuels look promising, the problem is the time perspective.
While research efforts into the next generation of bio- fuels look promising, the problem is the time perspective.
Most experts doubt that technologies based on ligno-cellulose will be commercially viable in a significant way within the next ten to fifteen years.
Most experts doubt that technologies based on ligno-cellulose will be commercially viable in a significant way within the next ten to fifteen years.
If this prediction is right - and the EU would maintain the 10% binding target – bio-fuels production will expand rapidly, based primarily on agro-fuels.
If this prediction is right - and the EU would maintain the 10% binding target – bio-fuels production will expand rapidly, based primarily on agro-fuels.
This could have serious implications for food security, for biodiversity as well as for the rate of rainforest destruction.
This could have serious implications for food security, for biodiversity as well as for the rate of rainforest destruction.
Because of all the unknowns – both with regard to technology developments but also to land use changes – there is a compelling argument for caution and a step-by-step approach.
Because of all the unknowns – both with regard to technology developments but also to land use changes – there is a compelling argument for caution and a step-by-step approach.
The proposed 10% binding target appears too optimistic.
The proposed 10% binding target appears too optimistic.
The objective should not be to reach the target at all costs, rather to implement policies which result in a significant benefit for the climate..
The objective should not be to reach the target at all costs, rather to implement policies which result in a significant benefit for the climate.
The Commission Proposal – a critical review
The Commission Proposal – a critical review
The Commission proposal on sustainability criteria for bio-fuels has its clear merits .
The Commission proposal on sustainability criteria for bio-fuels has its clear merits .
However, there is need for significant changes.
However, there is need for significant changes.
At the outset, an important point has to be made.
At the outset, an important point has to be made.
By establishing the sustainability criteria, the EU is creating a premium market for transport fuels based on renewable energy.
By establishing the sustainability criteria, the EU is creating a premium market for transport fuels based on renewable energy.
From this naturally follows, that the EU should have all the right to introduce specific demands on such fuels.
From this naturally follows, that the EU should have all the right to introduce specific demands on such fuels.
A further general comment concerns the fact that EU is not alone in making efforts to regulate the introduction of transport fuels based on renewable energy.
A further general comment concerns the fact that EU is not alone in making efforts to regulate the introduction of transport fuels based on renewable energy.
The ultimate goal ought to be the adoption of sustainability criteria that are widely accepted internationally.
The ultimate goal ought to be the adoption of sustainability criteria that are widely accepted internationally.
The Commission is called upon to broaden the dialogue with other major actors, the objective being to reach as common an understanding as possible.
The Commission is called upon to broaden the dialogue with other major actors, the objective being to reach as common an understanding as possible.
Revise the binding target
Revise the binding target
When the target was first agreed upon by the European Council it was conditional.
When the target was first agreed upon by the European Council it was conditional.
The three conditions set were: 1) the establishment of the sustainability criteria , 2) the commercial availability of second generation bio-fuels, and 3) the amendment of the Fuel Quality Directive.
The three conditions set were: 1) the establishment of the sustainability criteria , 2) the commercial availability of second generation bio-fuels, and 3) the amendment of the Fuel Quality Directive.
When taking stock of recent scientific reports the uncertainties linked to the expansion of bio-fuels are many.
When taking stock of recent scientific reports the uncertainties linked to the expansion of bio-fuels are many.
This is the background why both the EEA Scientific Committee as well as the JRC went as far as recommending a suspension of the 10% target.
This is the background why both the EEA Scientific Committee as well as the JRC went as far as recommending a suspension of the 10% target.
Major questionmarks concern the commercial availability of second generation bio-fuels and the direc t as well as indirect land use effects of bio-fuels production.
Major questionmarks concern the commercial availability of second generation bio-fuels and the direc t as well as indirect land use effects of bio-fuels production.
Given the many unknowns today, the responsible way forward seems to be to reverse the decision about the 10% renewable target and, instead, go for a lower target – like 8 % - and undertake regular reviews of the whole policy, including the target.
Given the many unknowns today, the responsible way forward seems to be to reverse the decision about the 10% renewable target and, instead, go for a lower target – like 8 % - and undertake regular reviews of the whole policy, including the target.
Introduce sustainable categories of renewable energy
Introduce sustainable categories of renewable energy
The purpose of the Directive is to promote renewable energy.
The purpose of the Directive is to promote renewable energy.
To reach the 20% target, everything possible should be done to facilitate the rules and regulations pertaining to renewables production, including access to the grid and simplified administrative procedures.
To reach the 20% target, everything possible should be done to facilitate the rules and regulations pertaining to renewables production, including access to the grid and simplified administrative procedures.
Planning rules need to be made more flexible, not least for such types of renewable energy projects that a priori can be defined as sustainable.
Planning rules need to be made more flexible, not least for such types of renewable energy projects that a priori can be defined as sustainable.
Expand the sustainability criteria to biomass for energy
Expand the sustainability criteria to biomass for energy
The need is strong for sustainability criteria guiding bio-fuels production.
The need is strong for sustainability criteria guiding bio-fuels production.
However, it is not logical to single out only one part of the use of biomass for energy purposes from the rest.
However, it is not logical to single out only one part of the use of biomass for energy purposes from the rest.
It is therefore proposed to extend the sustainability criteria to all uses of biomass for energy.
It is therefore proposed to extend the sustainability criteria to all uses of biomass for energy.
Criteria for GHG savings
Criteria for GHG savings
The proposed GHG saving of 35% is, in the opinion of your draftsman, too little ambitious .
The proposed GHG saving of 35% is, in the opinion of your draftsman, too little ambitious .
By setting such a low target, the majority of biofuels in the market today will qualify, with a risk of locking production into inefficient production with limited climate benefits and potential large in-direct land use effects.
By setting such a low target, the majority of biofuels in the market today will qualify, with a risk of locking production into inefficient production with limited climate benefits and potential large in-direct land use effects.
Moreover, with a GHG threshold of only 35%, the significant potential for efficient bio-fuels production in the tropics is being downplayed.
Moreover, with a GHG threshold of only 35%, the significant potential for efficient bio-fuels production in the tropics is being downplayed.
Lastly, but not the least, no real incentive for innovation and GHG performance improvement is offered in the Commission proposal.
Lastly, but not the least, no real incentive for innovation and GHG performance improvement is offered in the Commission proposal.
In order for future biofuels to deliver more in terms of climate benefits the proposal of your draftsman is a GHG saving threshold of 50% from the entry into force.
In order for future biofuels to deliver more in terms of climate benefits the proposal of your draftsman is a GHG saving threshold of 50% from the entry into force.
In addition, in order to give incentives to the best alternatives for renewable energy in transport (including also electricity and hydrogen) possible support schemes, including subsidies, in Member States should be proportional to the GHG saving.
In addition, in order to give incentives to the best alternatives for renewable energy in transport (including also electricity and hydrogen) possible support schemes, including subsidies, in Member States should be proportional to the GHG saving.
Criteria for "No-go areas"
Criteria for "No-go areas"
The Commission proposal excludes certain types of land for the production of bio-fuels – in the form of “no-go” areas - like undisturbed forests, areas designated for nature protection, highly bio-diverse grassland etc.
The Commission proposal excludes certain types of land for the production of bio-fuels – in the form of “no-go” areas - like undisturbed forests, areas designated for nature protection, highly bio-diverse grassland etc.
This is positive.
This is positive.
However, the proposed list of “no-go” areas does omit certain sensitive areas and ought to be complemented, for instance by adopting the High Conservation Value Land categories.
However, the proposed list of “no-go” areas does omit certain sensitive areas and ought to be complemented, for instance by adopting the High Conservation Value Land categories.
The Commission proposal paints the world too much in black and white with regard to land use..
The Commission proposal paints the world too much in black and white with regard to land use..
Land areas are either open to full production or prohibited for use.
Land areas are either open to full production or prohibited for use.
In European forests, as well as in tropical forests, sustainable management ought to be possible, so that limited amounts of biomass can be used, if it is done in a sustainable way.
In European forests, as well as in tropical forests, sustainable management ought to be possible, so that limited amounts of biomass can be used, if it is done in a sustainable way.
Social criteria
Social criteria
Social criteria were not included in the Commission proposal, one of the reasons given that introducing such criteria could be in conflict with WTO rules.
Social criteria were not included in the Commission proposal, one of the reasons given that introducing such criteria could be in conflict with WTO rules.