The Biofuel Industry's False Hope: Why Liquid Biofuels Can't Replace Petroleum-based Fuels

Summarising the truth behind the biofuel industry's claims and the looming energy disruptions ahead

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and dwindling fossil fuel resources, the biofuel industry has been promoting the idea that liquid biofuels can be a viable alternative to traditional petroleum-based fuels. However, as the data shows, this simply isn't the case.

The reality is that our global energy system is facing a decline in both resource quality and availability, leading to a decrease in the surplus or net energy generated. This is a biophysical reality that cannot be ignored, and as a result, we are likely to see increasing dysfunction and eventual dislocation of global supply chains that bring us the products we have come to rely on.

While some may argue that the concept of "sustainability" doesn't necessarily mean that the industrial economy fundamentally cannot be sustained, the fact remains that we are running out of time and resources to make the transition to a renewable economy in a manner that would truly make a difference. Experts like Hans Stegeman, Chief Economist at Triodos Bank, have pointed out that in order for renewable energy plans to succeed, we would need to use 20% of all fossil energy to build a renewable energy system and that this would require a massive amount of metals and CO2 storage - all of which would take time to acquire and would have a significant impact on vulnerable areas and people.

It's important to note that this is not simply a matter of COVID and Ukraine, but a fundamental shift in our global energy system that we need to start acknowledging and preparing for. The Age of Energy Disruptions is upon us, and we need to start having more honest and realistic conversations about the challenges we are facing and the steps we need to take to navigate them. Ignoring the biophysical reality of our energy situation will only lead to more surprises and disruptions down the road.

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