World food production and biodiesel
So we have been told that biodiesel and vege oil will help save the world. Recently I have heard radio discussions where people are saying that third world food is increasing in cost as the demand for corn oil increases in the west. Maize production in the US last year 20% this year 40% going to fuel. Mexians can't afford to buy tortillas.
So are we saving the world or should we stick to fossil fuel and let the people eat?
Plus current planting of oil palms in Indonesia is going to wipe the Orangatang in the wild.
Yep it's a crazy mixed up world indeed Roly
Unfortunately nothing is so clear cut (no pun intended)... whether it is veggie oil or even electricity (its got to be generated somehow...). The short term solution is I think to use waste veggie oil.
Hydrogen is still some way off. But having said that I sat in the new Hydrogen Powered BMW. Its pretty impressive and is dual fuel but the boot is tiny.
Dont know how they are getting on with the clean nuclear option, ie Fusion, to my mind it is the only way an expanding demanding world population can be provided for -- might buy shares in some such venture. :idea: Then they can go electric, produce hydrogen or synthasise fuels etc etc to their hearts content
Well according to UK farmers, they have enough crop to satisfy the UK's forthcoming biofuel needs AND food supplies. Of course the question is whether those crops could not be used to help those less fortunate.
However a friend works in the biofuels industry and he says its really just a mute point as its only current technologies which require the same crop as used in food. They are already trialing systems which allow the production of biofuels from the parts of crops which are not used in food production or indeed any waste organic matter including sewage. It is only a matter of time before this technology can be rolled out.
The only thing I know is that last year I could buy the equivalent to ASDAs rapeseed oil (Dia Sunflower oil) at between 0.59 and 0.69 €/litre. Now I have to pay for the same € 1.15 €/litre, due to stock being used for biodiesel production instead. So crew my green credentials: I'll fill with diesel at € 1.08/litre.
This is exactly the problem. If food crops can be sold to the fuel industry then prices will rise. What happens when the EU decrees that all fuel will contain 10% biofuel. The petrol companies will go out and source their expected demand from producers around the world. Money will be no object. Food production will be replaced with fuel production. The planting may vary but the land will be in demand. OK in UK where we can regulate, what about where regulations don't work and money will rule?
Because the current need to use food crops to produce fuel crops is temporary. Once they get waste product conversion to biofuels running it is another story.
i am stockpiling my turds for this breakthrough
i am stockpiling my turds for this breakthrough
the way the government likes to interfere, we will end up with laxatives in the water supply to help keep up with demand!!! :lol:
marcus wrote:i am stockpiling my turds for this breakthrough
the way the government likes to interfere, we will end up with laxatives in the water supply to help keep up with demand!!! :lol:
Ummm... I don't know whether that will work actually: my G prefers the camel poo I use as an additive when it is rock hard and dry :lol:
Everyone to suffer then :lol:
marcus wrote:i am stockpiling my turds for this breakthrough
the way the government likes to interfere, we will end up with laxatives in the water supply to help keep up with demand!!! :lol:
Yes - good point, however thats what they want to do, then they will tax it, a sort of PAYC/PAYP/PAYS/PAYD tax, with inspectors and the like! Oh England, what have they done to you??? :cry:
Spider1V
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Another discussion on Radio 4 this morning about rising food prices resulting from biofuel crops replacing food crops. You can listen to it on the website. Such is the perceived problem that groups are lobbying the gov't. to change the policy on biofuel.