Security of Energy Supply


High and volatile crude oil prices and political instability in oil producing regions mean that reducing dependency on 'imported' energy is a priority.  Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that 'peak oil' may occur within the next two decades.  Peak oil is the point at which the maximum rate of global petroleum extraction has been reached, after which the rate of production enters terminal decline.  The transition away from conventional oil may well have significant economic, environmental and social implications which need addressing.  Work carried out by the Renewable Energy Association (REA) and peer reviewed by Imperial College, London shows that the UK and EU could sustainably deliver up to 80% of the 'greener' road transport fuels required by 2020 through domestic production from locally grown crops.