"Most biofuels are often not an effective use of bioenergy resources, in terms either of cutting greenhouse gas emissions or value-for-money," the report from the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) said.

Biofuels can be substituted for fossil fuels and are seen by advocates as a way of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases believed to contribute to global warming. Grains, vegetable oils and sugar are among the industry's current feedstocks. Britain has ordered transport fuel suppliers to supply five percent of their UK road fuel from renewable fuels by 2010. However, the report argues that the Government should concentrate on the development of more efficient biofuel technologies that might have a sustainable role in the future. Until then there should be 'a moratorium on current targets until technology improves, robust mechanisms to prevent damaging land use change are developed, and international sustainability standards are agreed. 'Only then,' states the report, 'might biofuels have a role to play. In the meantime, other more effective ways of cutting emissions from road transport should be pursued.'

Click here for the full report.

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