Sustainability aspects of biofuels
land would release between 17-420 times more CO 2 than the annual GHG emissions the
biofuels would save by replacing fossil fuels (Farigone, 2008). Another study has concluded
that converting forests and grasslands to new croplands can double the GHG emissions for 30
years (Searchinger, T. 2008).
Despite the real threat to deforestation, some studies suggest that biofuels can be successfully
grown on marginal lands, such as abandoned agricultural soils, saline soils and reclaimed
mining areas (Reijnders, 2008). However, it is highly that biofuels demand can be satisfied
only with crops grown on marginal lands. Also, currently, the legislation does not incentivise
such approach.
It has been stated by the International Energy Forum that at present, only ethanol produced
from sugarcane in Brazil is a viable option when considering the GHG balance, and other
aspects as well. Ethanol produced from sugarcane has a competitive advantage over maize
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