Biofuel production goes east

2nd May, 2008

The reasons for making and using biofuels are as varied as the countries that produce them. In western Europe climate change worries are paramount, in the US there is more emphasis on the patriotic aspect of reducing dependency on imported oil. Eastern Europe is a large region comprising many different nations, with significant variations of climate and economics and differing political concerns, but common themes are evident.

Compared to western Europe the east is relatively sparsely populated and good agricultural land is available since improved farming methods mean less is needed for food production. Following independence from the Soviet Union, and in some cases splitting into two or more states, many of these countries have an uneasy relationship with Russia on whom most depend for their energy supplies. Since most are now members of the EU they are also subject to the requirements of the EU’s Directive 2003/30/EC to set targets for a minimum proportion of biofuels to be placed on the market.

The 2005 target of 2% was mostly missed but member states are still trying to reach 5.75% by 2010.

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