Ethanol to Reduce GHGs by 105 Million Tonnes in 2011

TORONTO, ONTARIO --- As the biofuels industry gathers at the annual World Biofuels markets conference, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) is highlighting the positive influence ethanol production is having on reducing global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

(S&T)2 Consultants Inc., an internationally recognized energy and environmental consulting firm, has produced data demonstrating the positive impact of global ethanol production on reducing greenhouse gases (GHG). Figures reveal that world ethanol production in 2011 will reduce global GHG emissions by 105 million tonnes. This represents a GHG reduction of more than 287,000 tonnes per day.

"This is very promising news," explained Bliss Baker, spokesperson for the GRFA. "These figures clearly show that biofuels are playing a critical role in reducing harmful GHG emissions around the globe," declared Mr. Baker.

"Biofuels can curb our global addiction to oil – especially considering today's rising oil prices – and in the wake of the recent United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference in Cancun, this data is proof that biofuels are vital to the fight against climate change," added Mr. Baker.

Of note:

* World ethanol production is currently replacing the need for a million barrels of crude oil per day which would otherwise create 545,000 tonnes of GHG emissions daily.

* In 2010, world ethanol production was 85.7 billion litres and is estimated to have reduced GHG emissions by 101 million tonnes – a GHG reduction of more than 276,000 tonnes per day.

* GHG emission reductions of 101 million tonnes represent the equivalent of 18.7 million cars being taken off the road or the total GHG emissions reported by Austria in 2005.

* In cooperation with F.O. Licht the GRFA are predicting global ethanol production in 2011 to grow by over 3% to 88.7 billion litres. This increase in production will result in a 9% growth in GHG reductions.

The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biofuel friendly policies internationally. Alliance members represent over 65% of the global biofuels production from 44 countries. Through the development of new technologies and best practices, the Alliance members are committed to producing renewable fuels with the smallest possible footprint.

source: marketwire