Philippines Seeks Cheaper Feedstocks to Boost Bioethanol Production
The Philippine government is exploring cheaper materials to produce bioethanol as part of its plan to increase ethanol content in gasoline from 10% to 15%. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said both the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are looking at various feedstocks, including molasses, sugarcane juice, and corn.
The DA noted that an increase in feedstock costs could lead to a P1 increase in ethanol prices. The department is also exploring ways to boost corn yields through the use of better seeds and modern machinery, as well as direct supply agreements between farmers and ethanol plants.
Corn can be harvested within 90 to 110 days, potentially allowing supply to respond relatively quickly to increased demand, according to the DA. The department is taking care not to drive up corn prices amid potentially higher demand from ethanol producers.