Extensive research hopes to answer - Should we ‘grow’ our future fuels?

Abstract

Water and biofuel Extensive research hopes to answer - Should we ‘grow’ our future fuels? Biofuels remain a viable option in South Africa, despite being a water-scarce country – but there are a number of provisos. For example, we need to cultivate sustainable, water-efficient feedstocks and make viable decisions regarding land use change. Land use change that threatens the cultivation of food, or has a negative impact on biodiversity, or significantly reduces the availability of water to downstream users, should certainly be avoided. This is the conclusion of an eight year-long study that will guide amendments to existing biofuel-related policy, as well as help the biofuels industry plan the way forward. The project has ensured that more precise knowledge is now available on water use and what biofuel crops can be considered (based on highest water use efficiency), the geographic location of suitable production areas for each crop and potential impact on streamflow reduction.

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