Governance of biofuels for transport in Europe: lessons from Sweden and the UK

Abstract

Biofuels for transport are attracting considerable support from the EU. However, the complexity of the biofuels industry and the diversity of actors create significant challenges for policymaking and governance. This article explores the role of governance in the development of the biofuels industry in Europe, focusing on Sweden and the UK. The purpose of this article is to investigate the similarities and differences of governance activities in these countries and to identify lessons for policymakers on how to establish and expand sustainable and competitive biofuels for transport. Sweden and the UK have been selected as they provide contrasting pictures of the biofuels industry within Europe.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

K McCormick is employed at Lund University in Sweden. C Bomb is employed at Groupe Sucres et Denrées, which is involved in bioethanol trading. E Deurwaarder is employed at the European Commission as the Directorate-General for Energy working with renewable energy and energy efficiency. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.