Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/163049 
Year of Publication: 
2017
Series/Report no.: 
WIDER Working Paper No. 2017/87
Publisher: 
The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), Helsinki
Abstract: 
This paper assesses biofuels technology readiness and provides foresight to biofuels development in Southern Africa. Efficient conversion pathways, coupled with biomass from waste or high-yielding energy crops, reduces both the costs of biofuels production and the environmental impacts. Currently, most biofuels are more expensive than petroleum fuels and market uptake will be influenced by mandates and subsidies. Advanced biofuels promise greater efficiencies and carbon emission reductions at reduced cost, but will require further R&D to reach commercialization. If developed appropriately, biofuels can reduce carbon emissions and improve energy security, while enabling sustainable agriculture and improved natural resource management.
Subjects: 
biofuels
bioenergy
technology maturity
technology readiness level
renewable energy
sustainable development
JEL: 
O1
O2
O3
O5
Q1
Q2
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
ISBN: 
978-92-9256-311-0
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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