Government seeks alternative feedstock to boost bioethanol production

The Philippine government is seeking alternative feedstock to expand bioethanol production and make locally produced fuel more competitive with imports, according to officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Energy (DOE). During a meeting between Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, the agencies discussed methods to lower feedstock costs, make better use of idle distillery capacity, and increase domestic ethanol production.

The Philippine National Standard for bioethanol is currently under finalization, with public consultation underway. The agencies are exploring various options, including molasses, sugarcane juice, locally produced corn, and palm oil, to boost bioethanol production. Tiu Laurel emphasized that the goal is to bring down gasoline prices and make ethanol a more viable alternative to imported fuel.

The focus on expanding corn production through improved seeds, mechanization, and contract farming between producers and ethanol plants was highlighted by Tiu Laurel. He acknowledged that the challenge is not the availability of corn but its affordability for ethanol production. Palm oil was also identified as a potential alternative feedstock for bioethanol and aviation fuel, although the establishment of palm plantations may take around three years.

The agency estimates that ethanol production from sugarcane-derived feedstock could reach 325 million to 385 million liters annually, with the current capacity of ethanol plants exceeding 500 million liters. By diversifying feedstock options, the government aims to reduce pressure on any single agricultural commodity and potentially lower the cost of local bioethanol.