BP biofuels

Changing climates, changing fuels

It’s not only change in the physical climate that’s at the heart of the energy debate. It’s also the shift in energy supply and economic climates that raises questions about fuel choice. But talk is not enough. Action is what will really make a difference.

In an increasingly uncertain world we need to be sure our fuel supplies are secure. In a globalised economy, with growing demand for transport fuels, we have to find new and better ways to meet the need for energy.

Meanwhile, concern over the environment continues to rise. On one hand we need to keep economies and societies moving while on the other, it’s imperative we limit our carbon footprint.

New solutions are needed. Solutions that not only address all the challenges, but are viable today. That’s where biofuels come in. For the transport sector, we believe biofuels represent the only near term major alternative to fossil fuels.

Growing reductions

With the demand for low carbon transportation fuels rapidly increasing, the contribution biofuels can make to the fuel pool is significant and relevant. BP has already demonstrated its ability to apply scientific knowledge quickly and to real effect.

In the 1990s, BP became a leader in the energy industry by acknowledging the need for precautionary action over climate change.

We put our words into action by reducing our operational greenhouse gas emissions to 10% below their 1990 levels. That was a target we set for 2010 – but reached in 2001.

From crop to car

For BP, our biofuels business and Energy Biosciences Institute represent the latest steps in an environmental journey. The investment we are making will create savings and improved processes, leading to greater efficiency across the board, while helping to reduce the life cycle effect of transport fuels.

This is just a start

Together with our partners and policy makers, our current work on biofuels can pay dividends in the near future. Not just by helping governments meet emissions targets, but by simultaneously providing more secure supplies and stimulating economic growth.