[Biofuels in a Climate Crisis and Carbon Neutral Era International Symposium I] "Biofuel is Essential for Developing Diverse Energy Sources"

[Four Seasons Hotel=The Hwankyung Ilbo] Hyun Jin Lim Reporter = As part of the "2050 Carbon Neutral Strategy", the importance of biofuels among new and renewable energy is once again emerging. 

In response to the climate crisis, the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is being promoted worldwide. Korea is also expanding its operation of solar and wind power using natural resources, but it has many limitations due to its narrow land and topographical characteristics.

As an alternative to this, IEA (International Energy Agency) and IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) are focusing on biofuels.

Biofuels refer to fuels manufactured through combustion or biological treatment processes of plants and crops, animal waste, and biological wastes used as industrial materials or energy sources.

The U.S. Embassy in Korea, the Environment Daily, and the U.S. Grains Council jointly held an international symposium on July 12 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, under the theme of "The Role of Biofuels in the Climate Crisis and Carbon Neutral Era."

Integrated use of various energy sources is required to reach 'Net Zero'

Lee Mihwa, publisher of the Environment Daily, said in an opening speech, "As disasters caused by climate change occur throughout the world, countries are stepping up policies and measures to realize carbon neutrality. The transition to green mobility, such as electric and hydrogen cars, is a difficult task that takes at least 10 years."

"To reach Net Zero, we need to find ways to integrate and use various energy sources in harmony," the publisher said, pointing to the "lack of resources, technology, and industrial competitiveness" as a cause of the road to climate change and transition to eco-friendly energy.

In addition, biofuel is defined as a fuel made by pyrolyzing or fermenting plants, recycled edible oil, and livestock waste, which are energy sources of bioenergy, and advised, "It can greatly reduce carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional petroleum energy."

"In 2006, the Korean government introduced a mandatory mixture of renewable fuels, which mixes biodiesel through automobiles," the publisher said. Since July 2021, 3.5% of biodiesel has been mixed and used, and it has been decided to expand to 5% by 2030, she said. "Bioethanol has also promoted feasibility, economy, and technology analysis of its introduction since 2005, and left the possibility of policy introduction open."

"The key to achieving carbon neutrality in the era of a climate crisis depends on how sophisticated the establishment and implementation of the transition policy," she said. "We need to continuously provide transparent information on the background and necessity of policy decisions and seek understanding and cooperation."

Energy security and expanded consumer options will help solve the climate crisis

Daniel B. Whitley, head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Overseas Agriculture Office, stated in the video recording, "Biofuels must be part of the solution to cope with changes toward carbon neutrality and rising energy costs."

"I think we can also work with the new government of the Republic of Korea to continue to strengthen the Korea-U.S. trade relations and overall energy security relations on biofuels," Whitley said.

"USDA announced in April that it would expand the availability of high ethanol mix just before President Biden visited Korea," he said. "President Biden noted that biofuels give consumers a choice in the global economy."

"Biofuels have a tremendous future, including sustainable aviation fuel," he stressed, adding, "Without these measures, we cannot reach zero carbon emissions by 2050. Scientific research is the foundation of leading resources and future use and environmental awareness research continues to show us benefits," he said.

"The U.S. is producing more renewable energy using carbon capture and isolation technology and continuously increasing efficiency and feedstock processes using electricity, bio-gas, and refineries," Whitley said. "Biofuels are key to solving climate change and improving high oil and gas prices facing consumers."

"It's not the only solution to moving from fossil fuels to eco-friendly sources, but it's important to take advantage of the best tools for carbon neutrality. The U.S. continues to invest in biofuel research and distribution, which will show excellent future value."

'Undervalued' despite eco-friendly and valuable renewable energy

Yoo Young Sook, chairman of the Korea Biofuel Forum (KBF), who served as the 14th Environment Minister, said, "The wind of climate change and 2050 carbon neutrality should be in line with this very big century," pointing out the current situation, "carbon neutrality was triggered by the IPCC's 1.5-degree special report" following the 2015 Paris agreement."

In addition, "The IPCC report says that the rise of global temperature must be limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius, and for that, it must reach net zero global carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. The Korean government also declared "2050 Carbon Neutrality" and promised the international community. But it is so undervalued about the eco-friendliness and value of biofuels," he said.

Chairman Yoo Young Sook said, "I hope this international symposium will have a lot of meaningful discussions on the role of biofuels, giving them the potential value and meaning," and clarified his intention, "I hope biofuels will be firmly recognized as renewable energy that can help reduce greenhouse gases, improve the global environment, and realize carbon neutrality."

Prospects to continue internal combustion vehicles for the time being···Emergency to convert electric vehicles due to expansion of 'biological fuel"

Cary Sifferath, Vice Chairman of the U.S. Grains Council, stated, "Korea is leading the spread of biofuels along with the United States," adding, "The world is trying to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, but the internal combustion engine will not disappear soon."

Gasoline is expected to be continuously used as fuel for a considerable period of time, so the direction of increasing biofuel in the conversion of electric vehicles is the most realistic way to reduce carbon, he suggested.

"In the future, we will be actively discussing the improvement of technology, research and energy mix, and the introduction of mixed fuel that can reduce carbon emissions by 11.1 million tons per year. We will continue to support Korea's biofuels and strive for cooperation between the two countries." he stated.