Chemical engineering chief warns against ditching biofuels

London -  Despite recent bad press, biofuels should not be ditched as they still offer a key source of global energy supplies in the coming years, according to Dr David Brown, chief executive at the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). Biofuels have come under increased scrutiny in recent months amidst claims first-generation biofuels are to blame for rising food prices with their production coming at the expense of growing crops for food.

Ahead of the World Biofuels Market Congress in Brussels this week, Brown warned that a swathe of negative biofuels coverage in the media must not threaten further development: “There are both good and bad biofuels, and if we are to meet rising demands for food, fuel and industrial products, we cannot afford to ignore biofuels or simply dismiss them as wishful thinking."

The IChemE leader acknowledged the need for more research into the potential of biofuels, but added that "to dismiss them all at this early stage would be ridiculous. Engineering best practice will ensure that any biofuel production that does happen will consider the totality of the new product, including the carbon footprint it creates and its impact on global food and energy supplies."