Uk Biofuel Land Use April 18, 2013 12:00 amNew statistics released by DEFRA show that around 1.8% of UK arable land in 2010/11 was grown for biofuel and bioenergy production; this equates to approximately 109,000 hectares. The figures show an increase of wheat used for bioethanol production, from 3,000t in 2009/10 to 581,000t in 2010/11, this has mainly been led the opening of the UK’s first bioethanol plant. The home-grown biofuel market is expected to grow over the coming years with Ensus and Vivergo plants potentially converting over 2 million tonnes of wheat if they reach full capacity.LAND USE FOR BIO-ENERGY – Source: DEFRA 08/0909/1010/11Total Arable Area5,9005,9225,847Wheat–of which used for bioethanol2,08001,77501,93975Oilseed Rape–of which used for biodiesel59815570186428Sugar beet–of which used for bioethanol1207114911814UK area used for biofuel crops222797UK area used for bioenergy crops3640109% of UK arable area used for bioenergy0.6%0.7%1.8%
