Brussels, 09/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - An international conference on biofuels took place on 5-6 July in Brussels. A broad panel of governmental representatives from the whole world, as well as representatives from industry, NGOs and academia debated the states at play, as well as the opportunities and risks linked to the production and use of biofuels in the world (EUROPE 9462). Looking at the main results of the two days of work, the Commissioner for external relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner stressed, “It is striking how rapidly biofuels are becoming part of our energy strategy - in the EU and elsewhere in the world”.
She welcomed the “growing consensus” in the international arena on the “important potential” biofuels had for combating climate change, contributing to energy supply security and for providing new growth opportunities for industry, agriculture and R&D.
Ferrero-Waldner said that these two days of discussions had confirmed the “interest” participating countries had in “working together on several fronts”, with the number one objective being the development of a genuine biofuels market. This global market is indispensable for the Union, which, as all the members of the Commission present confirmed, particularly its president, José Manuel Barroso, is counting on importing some of the biofuels needed for reaching its binding target of 10% of biofuels in total fuel consumption by 2010. The Commissioner for external relations also highlighted the need to help developing countries attain their potential in biofuel production, “Several speakers have mentioned that the developing world has a comparative advantage in biofuels. We must see to it that as biofuels production expands, it truly brings advantages in terms of economic development and job creation, without creating new difficulties for poor communities in these countries. As President Lula mentioned yesterday, biofuels may present a unique opportunity for us to improve access to energy in some of the world's poorest countries, provided it is done in a sustainable manner”. Ferrero-Waldner said that, “together, we need to make sure that the biofuels production is managed properly so that we reap the advantages without creating new problems for our peoples or for the planet”. To this end, the Commissioner pointed out that the Union is actively working to define a Community plan to encourage the sustainable use of biofuels and avoid creating new barriers or distortions to trade. Ferrero-Waldner was also pleased that several countries had appealed for “international sustainability criteria” and “common technical standards” for biofuels sot help stimulate trade in these products. The Commissioner concluded, “Together, we need to redouble our efforts to develop second generation biofuels with higher yields and better environmental performance. Ferrero-Waldner also highlighted the importance of increasing research activities nationally and internationally.
On Thursday, the Brazilian president Lula, promised that Rio de Janeiro would host second conference of this kind in 2008. (eh)