Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 198: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of production of biofuels; the way this has moved over the past three years; and the way it compares in price and in performance terms in motor vehicles with oil based fuels. [41793/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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My Department does not have or maintain specific data on the cost of producing biofuels either domestically or globally. Production costs for biofuels are individual to each producer and feedstock and vary widely. Also, given that in many cases the biofuel feedstock is an agricultural commodity, the price paid can be dependent on factors at play in the commodities markets.

The very sharp spike in the price of certain agricultural commodities, particularly in late 2007 has substantially subsided. It is estimated however that volatility in agricultural commodities markets will continue to affect the price competitiveness of biofuels periodically.

In terms of comparative performance, biofuels vary significantly in terms of the energy output per unit volume in comparison with their mineral equivalent. Some have nearly identical energy outputs, while others, like bioethanol, have a lower energy content.