The objective of the project is to provide support to the European Commission (DG Energy) in the modeling of indirect land use change associated to the 10% target for renewable energy share in EU transport. Modelling will cover both conventional and advanced biofuel feedstocks and all existing and likely relevant production pathways for the period up to 2020. The consortium will use the GLOBIOM model for this purpose.

The methodological requirements are specified by the call for tender*: The study shall deliver a sophisticated understanding of ILUC as a consequence of increased use of biofuels and biomass and enable an assessment of available realistic policy options to minimize such impacts. The timeframe should be as of now to 2030. [The study should focus on:]

A. Indirect land use changes in relation to all production pathways, presented in isolation and aggregated. The complex assessment needs to compare a biomass scenario with a counterfactual scenario.

B. Assessment of effectiveness of a range of policy options that will be clarified at the mid-term meeting. Elements of ILUC-factors, trade agreement, additional sustainability criteria should be among the options.

C. Continuous technical support to the Commission in answering to technical questions after the publication of the results.

The modelling will result in ILUC GHG factors for a selection of biofuel feedstocks. The consortium aims to perform the project in a transparent manner with in accordance with scientific standards. Several rounds of stakeholder consultation take place in the project and a scientific advisory committee advises the consortium throughout the project.