Why these startups are betting on biofuel
Why these startups are betting on biofuel Sifted
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The Role of Biofuels in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
The Challenge of Shifting to Sustainable Energy Sources
According to EU data, fossil fuels still account for 70% of the gross available energy sources in Europe. While this percentage is decreasing annually, there is a need for greater efforts to transition to more sustainable alternatives.
Biofuels have long been seen as a potential solution to this problem. Derived from renewable resources, they emit significantly less CO2 compared to mineral petrol or diesel.
However, concerns have been raised about the mass production of biofuels and its potential impact on deforestation and competition for land needed for crop production.
Utilizing Waste as Feedstock for Sustainable Biofuels
To create truly sustainable and scalable biofuels, it is crucial to use feedstock derived from waste or materials that would otherwise be unusable. Startups like Kvasir Technologies and BEE Biofuel are leading the way in this regard.
- Kvasir Technologies: This Danish startup uses non-edible biomass or pure lignin to produce bio oil, which is then sold to the commercial maritime industry.
- BEE Biofuel: Based in Namibia, BEE Biofuel collects used cooking oils from local businesses and converts them into biodiesel. The fuel is used to power the company’s collection vehicles and produce other products.
Impact on the Shipping Industry
The commercial maritime industry plays a significant role in global greenhouse gas emissions, contributing 3% of the total. To address this, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has set targets to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030 and 50% by 2050.
Kvasir Technologies’ biofuel offers a smoother transition for shipping companies, as it can be used as a blend-in or a complete replacement for traditional fuels. This eliminates the need for costly engine and infrastructure upgrades.
Challenges and Opportunities for Mass Adoption
Both Kvasir Technologies and BEE Biofuel face challenges in scaling up production and achieving widespread adoption.
- BEE Biofuel struggles with a lack of familiarity and perception of lower quality compared to fossil fuels in Namibia. Additionally, feedstock availability limits their production capacity.
- Kvasir Technologies aims to meet the massive demands of the shipping industry, but scaling up production quickly is a challenge. The high cost of biofuels and the need to verify their environmental credentials also hinder adoption.
Despite these challenges, the potential of biofuels to contribute significantly to the fight against climate change makes it a promising industry. As people become more environmentally conscious and frustrated with rising fuel prices, the demand for sustainable alternatives is expected to increase.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | – Percentage of energy derived from renewable sources – Reduction in fossil fuel consumption |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Adoption of policies promoting the use of biofuels – Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests | – Prevention of deforestation caused by biofuel crop production – Protection of land for crop production |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources | – Use of waste or unusable materials as feedstock for biofuel production – Reduction in waste disposal in landfills |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | – Development of infrastructure for biofuel production and distribution – Adoption of biofuels by industries |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
The article discusses the need to shift from fossil fuels to more sustainable products, such as biofuels, to address the reliance on fossil fuels in the global economy.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article highlights the potential of biofuels to reduce CO2 emissions compared to mineral petrol or diesel, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
SDG 15: Life on Land
The article mentions the concern that mass production of biofuels could lead to deforestation or compete with land needed for crop production, emphasizing the importance of sustainable management of forests and land.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The article emphasizes the use of waste or unusable materials as feedstock for biofuel production, promoting sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The article discusses the role of startups and research institutions in developing and scaling up biofuel technologies, highlighting the need to upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries for sustainable practices.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
The article focuses on the potential of biofuels, derived from renewable resources, to contribute to the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The article highlights the adoption of policies promoting the use of biofuels as a climate change measure, integrating them into national policies, strategies, and planning.
Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests
The article raises the concern of deforestation caused by biofuel crop production and emphasizes the need to promote sustainable management of forests to ensure their protection.
Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
The article emphasizes the use of waste or unusable materials as feedstock for biofuel production, contributing to sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
The article discusses the need to develop infrastructure for biofuel production and distribution, as well as the adoption of biofuels by industries, to upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries for sustainability.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article provides several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Percentage of energy derived from renewable sources
- Reduction in fossil fuel consumption
- Adoption of policies promoting the use of biofuels
- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector
- Prevention of deforestation caused by biofuel crop production
- Protection of land for crop production
- Use of waste or unusable materials as feedstock for biofuel production
- Reduction in waste disposal in landfills
- Development of infrastructure for biofuel production and distribution
- Adoption of biofuels by industries
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | – Percentage of energy derived from renewable sources – Reduction in fossil fuel consumption |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Adoption of policies promoting the use of biofuels – Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests | – Prevention of deforestation caused by biofuel crop production – Protection of land for crop production |
| SDG
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together. Source: sifted.eu
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