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This case study investigates the obstacles to certifying sustainable alternative fuels (SAFs) for commercial aviation, identifying barriers related to indicator flexibility, market incentives, feedstock types, and auditor expertise.

This policy brief analyzes the coherence of national development, conservation, and climate policies in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru using a water-energy-food (WEF) nexus approach. It identifies significant trade-offs between ambitious renewable energy and agricultural targets and the preservation of the Amazon biome's ecosystem services, which are critical for regional water, food, and energy security.

This research paper evaluates the availability of carbon offsets and alternative jet fuels to support the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) goal of carbon-neutral growth for international aviation from 2020 onward.

This fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute provides a historical overview of octane additives in U.S. gasoline, detailing the transition from lead and other petroleum-based aromatics to ethanol due to health and environmental concerns. It discusses the role of the EPA in regulating fuel composition to reduce tailpipe emissions and improve engine efficiency.

This fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) outlines the history and evolution of octane additives in United States gasoline, detailing the transition from lead and other petroleum-based aromatics to ethanol due to health and environmental concerns.

A life cycle assessment of fuel ethanol production from cane molasses in Indonesia, evaluating greenhouse gas emissions, energy inputs, and the impact of cogeneration and waste management.

This policy brief describes a study conducted between 2011 and 2015 by the Stockholm Environment Institute and national councils in Tanzania and Uganda. The study examined agricultural bioscience and agro-processing innovation systems, concluding that while the public sector is the primary driver of bioscience innovation in Eastern Africa, structural and policy constraints—rather than technical knowledge—hinder the transition of research into market-ready technologies for smallholder farmers.

This report by the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the Makeni bioenergy project in Sierra Leone, developed by Addax Bioenergy Sierra Leone (ABSL). It analyzes the project's impact on rural transformation, focusing on how a large-scale agro-industrial investment affects livelihoods, infrastructure, and socio-economic conditions in a region characterized by high poverty and limited government capacity.

This policy brief by the Stockholm Environment Institute evaluates the Makeni Project in Sierra Leone, a €400 million agro-industrial investment by Addax Bioenergy Sierra Leone (ABSL). The project focuses on sugarcane production for ethanol export and electricity generation. While the investment has provided significant infrastructure, jobs, and agricultural training, the brief highlights risks regarding land access, local skill gaps, and a lack of government oversight that limits the project's potential for comprehensive rural transformation.

This fact sheet examines the potential for deploying mid-level ethanol blends (E25 to E40) in the United States passenger vehicle fleet to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It discusses the role of ethanol as a renewable octane provider, the compatibility of existing vehicle fleets and retail infrastructure, and the lifecycle GHG reductions associated with different ethanol sources.

This fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) examines the potential for deploying mid-level ethanol blends (E25 to E40) as high-octane fuels in the United States. It discusses the technical benefits for engine efficiency, the existing compatibility of the vehicle fleet and retail infrastructure, and the potential for significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions compared to conventional gasoline.

This research paper synthesizes knowledge on the impacts of biofuel expansion in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the trade-offs between development goals and environmental or socioeconomic risks, and identifies policy and knowledge gaps as primary barriers to sustainability.

This case study describes the transformation of Bonaire's electricity system from a diesel-dependent model to one aiming for 100% renewable energy following a power plant fire in 2004. The system integrates wind power, battery storage, and diesel generators capable of running on biodiesel, resulting in lower electricity costs and increased reliability.

This research paper argues that using land for bioenergy creates intense competition with food, feed, and carbon storage, potentially widening the global crop calorie gap. The authors contend that most bioenergy is land-inefficient compared to solar energy and that current greenhouse gas accounting often 'double counts' biomass, erroneously suggesting that bioenergy is carbon-free. The paper recommends phasing out bioenergy from dedicated land use and prioritizing biomass derived from true wastes.

This research paper explores the use of bilateral agreements as a strategic alternative to voluntary certification schemes for securing sustainable biofuels in Europe under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.

The 'Bioenergy technology roadmap for Colombia' (2014) provides a strategic vision and quantitative analysis for deploying sustainable biofuel and biomass technologies in Colombia through 2030. The report evaluates two primary visions: one focusing on new technologies (biomethane and biomass-based power/CHP) and another combining these with the expansion of first-generation liquid biofuels. Using an Energy System Model (ESM) and a Land Use and Trade Model (LUTM), the report quantifies impacts on energy demand, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and land requirements, concluding that power generation and CHP applications are the most effective for emission reductions.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute argues against reforming or repealing the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), asserting that the policy has successfully reduced petroleum dependence and stimulated the rural economy. While acknowledging challenges such as land use change and the 'blend wall,' the author contends that these issues should be addressed through the Farm Bill and EPA flexibility rather than statutory changes, which could jeopardize billions in private investment in next-generation biofuels.

A support letter from a coalition of national, state, and regional groups urging U.S. congressional conferees to re-authorize the Farm Bill's energy title with $900 million in mandatory funding over five years.

This report evaluates the costs and benefits of the United Kingdom's biofuel industry and its associated support policies, focusing on employment, emissions abatement, and the role of biofuels in meeting EU renewable energy targets.

This report evaluates the costs and benefits of Spain's biofuel policies, focusing on industry support, employment, emission abatement, and the role of biofuels in meeting EU renewable energy targets.