Indicator Group

Examples

Expected Effect on Biofuels Use

Technical

Higher blending limits with petrofuels

Positive

Greatly increased “sugar states” ethanol

Positive

Increased palm oil for biodiesel

Positive

Biotechnological

Advanced biofuels development

Positive

Bio-commodity products from biofuels

Neutral/negative

Novel “energy crops”

Positive

Increased use of waste agro-industry streams

Positive

Policies

Renewable Fuels Standard (USA)

Positive

Renewable Energy Directive (EU)

Negative

“Food versus fuel”/“food first” (UN agencies)

Negative

Higher biofuels imports (EU, Japan)

Positive

Economic

Sustained high oil price

Positive

Sustained low oil price

Negative