Vireol - Good Biofuels

"Global warming is the greatest challenge facing humanity." (Lord Stern).  It is now widely accepted that inducstrial development and rapid human population growht over the last one hundred and fifty years has led to a dramatic increase in atmospheric CO₂ which is the direct result of fossil fuel use.

Burning fossil fuels (oil, coal and gas) is an OPEN carbon cycle whereby subterranean carbon deposits (in solid form) are burnt for energy consumption releasing gaseous carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.  CO₂ levels build up and prevent solar radiation that has reached the earth's surface from escaping back into the stratosphere.  The result has been to change global climatic conditions beyond normal deviations.

In other words, human activity is modifying the environment in which we live with poorly understood ecological consequences and it is the rate of climatic change and the fact that it is human induced that has caused Governments to address the issue.  Governments are now committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in accordance with the Kyoto protocol.  Global emissions need to be >25% below current levels by 2050.

This is particularly important for the transport sector where 74% of the UK's oil supply is used in transportation.  Transport accounts for 25% of EU emissions and is the only sector rising.  The Project has an initial carbon benefit, when compared to fossil fuels carbon footprint, of over 70% which is comfortably ahead of the minimum 35% standard needed to meet the Renewable Energy Directive when it is implemented (and ahead of the higher standard of 50% minimum that will be introduced in 2017).