Costs for conventional and renewable fuels and electricity in the worldwide transport sector: A mean–variance portfolio approach

In this paper we analyze the role of changes in the fuel mix on emissions reduction and the diversification of risks associated to rising prices of energy. To this purpose we evaluate the average cost and the cost volatility of alternative fuel combinations in the road transport sector by means of the Mean–Variance Portfolio Theory. The results suggest big gains in diversification of risks and emissions reduction associated with shifts away the current fuel mix, which is more than 90% concentrated worldwide in fossil fuels. Those shifts are discussed vis à vis the policy recommendations of the International Energy Agency on fuel use in the transport sector, and both the business as usual and the low carbon scenarios of the European Commission. In particular, shifting toward an efficient system would involve optimizing the use of biofuels (mostly from endogenous feedstock), with second generation biofuels taking the lead in the long-run, and this combined with electricity from clean sources. This scenario would mean reducing cost volatility by more than 50% as well as CO2 emissions by more than 30% in the long-run.

► The role of changes in the fuel mix on emissions and energy cost volatility is evaluated.
► Important gains in risk diversification and emissions reduction are related to shifts away the current fuel mix.
► Efficient involves optimizing the use of second generation biofuels combined with electricity from clean sources.
► This scenario means reducing cost volatility beyond 50% and CO2 emissions beyond 30%.