Biofuels’ energy ratings don’t add up

THE idea that subsidising motorists to burn biofuels will solve the problems of global warming, fossil fuel depletion, environmental destruction or any of the other problems caused by rampant traffic growth is a myth (Irish Examiner letters, April 26).

The energy input needed to produce biofuels is considerable, from a quarter to six times the amount of energy biofuels actually produce. Even if we gave up producing food, and turned over all arable land to producing biofuels, it would be insufficient for all of Ireland’s vehicles. Furthermore, the consequences of road building and car manufacture, disposal, etc, remain.

The comparison with tobacco or alcohol taxes is spurious — the State does not squander trillions of euro building pubs and providing facilities for smokers, but it does on roads.