I am no expert on this subject but reading this article two issues get highlighted. One, the biofuels industry presents a conundrum for oil import dependent countries. This is because the economics of the industry depends on a high oil price scenario. Were prices to fall to around USD 35/barrel, the industry would lose its competitive rationale. Two, the significance of technology and demand management. If, for instance, technology could commercialise the conversion of cellulose (from plants, leaves, straws etc) into ethanol and/or if oil demand were cut back through energy conservation and energy efficiency many of the professors’ concerns would get addressed. The underlying reality remains: The 21st century challenges of energy security, climate security and food security cannot be sustainably addressed without a broad based and balanced policy that covers supply and demand and is underpinned by technology.

The writer is chairman, Shell Group in India. Views are personal