Abstract: . . .  The main area of research is second-generation biofuels made from various biomass resources and wastes, e.g. bioethanol, biodiesel, DME. The technical feasibility of converting cellulose material (straw/wood) and organic wastes into bioethanol and biodiesel has been demonstrated. But costs need to be brought down and technology needs to be further developed and demonstrated for commercial-scale production (over 150 000 tonnes a year). If this can be done, second-generation biofuels should offer three major advantages: • they will secure a higher market share for biofuels by allowing the use of a wider range of raw material; • the cultivation process (if any) could be less environmentally intensive than for ordinary agricultural crops; • this lower intensity will be reflected in lower greenhouse gas emissions from cultivation. Second-generation biodiesel production has a fourth advantage: the fuel is of better quality than conventional diesel57. 57 The process can also be used to produce a (good) substitute for jet fuel or a (poor) substitute for petrol. FR 46 FR The price of these fuels will depend on technical developments and the price at which the raw material can be obtained. At this stage there is no reason to assume that they will be substantially cheaper than first-generation biofuels. The Commission plans to substantially increase its support for the development of secondgeneration biofuels through its research budgets. FR 47 FR ANNEX 13 – Results of consultation This Communication and the impact assessment published alongside it take into account the results of extensive consultations. These began with the Commission’s analysis of the various policies affecting biomass and an extensive public consultation campaign using all possible means, such as a public questionnaire via the Internet, numerous meetings with stakeholders, and bilateral meetings with Member States that have developed national Biomass Action Plans and with biomass experts. The main conclusion drawn from the consultations was that the Commission should push strongly on all fronts, at EU level and national level, in order to overcome the non-technical barriers facing biomass. Several more specific conclusions can be drawn from the consultation process: • Sufficient biomass resources are available in the Union to meet the needs for an additional 80 mtoe per year by 2010 without major effects on forest products industries and food production. Energy crops can make a significant contribution while providing a new market outlet for agriculture and contributing to rural development. Any shortfalls can be addressed by imports. • There are competitive, reliable and efficient European technologies to convert biomass resources into energy vectors (electricity, heating or cooling and biofuels for transport). Nevertheless, RTD work on biomass (supported by appropriate national and EC funds) has to be intensified in order to meet new challenges. • European (as well as international) solid . . .
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