DA, DOE seek cheaper feedstock to expand bioethanol production
Caroline Randall
Marketing Manager
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Energy (DOE) are looking for cheaper and more diverse feedstock to make Philippine bioethanol competitive with imported fuel, while protecting the farmers and industries that depend on the same crops.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin discussed ways to bring down feedstock costs, maximize idle distillery capacity, and expand domestic ethanol production as the government seeks to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
The discussions banked on the possibility of increasing the country’s ethanol blend to 15 percent from 10 percent.
The agencies are examining different feedstock options that could support higher ethanol production, including molasses and sugarcane juice from the sugar industry, and locally produced corn. “We are studying these options carefully, and there is potential for them to help bring down gasoline prices.” Tiu Laurel said.
