Genetically modified plants for energy production

The report of the Federal Environment Agency examines the use of genetically modified plants for biomass and energy production in Austria. Special energy crops are currently not authorised in Europe. However, efforts are being made to use herbicide-tolerant and/or insect-resistant maize and rape plants. As the risk assessment is poor from Austria’s point of view, especially with regard to the impact on sustainable land use and climate, there are bans on the use of many GM plants. Risks arise on the one hand from negative environmental effects by intensifying the cultivation of maize and rape crops and, on the other hand, by coexistence with non-GM crops. As far as the greenhouse gas balance is concerned, there are currently no significant improvements compared to the cultivation of conventional varieties.