2009 will see nine ethanol plants

About eight to nine ethanol plants, with a capacity of 100,000 to 150,000 liters per day, will be constructed and operational by 2009 to serve the Philippines mandated 5% blend. Mario Marasigan, director of the Philippines Energy Utilization Management Bureau said the plants would ensure the successful implementation of the E5 blend in the next two years. “For the initial implementation of ethanol, we would need 250 million liters to 270 million liters annually for the 5% volume blend,” Marasigan said. Out of the eight to nine applications for accreditation with the Department of Energy, five companies, San Carlos Bioenergy Inc., First Bukidnon, JG Summit, Biofuels 88 and Leyte Agri Corp., were endorsed to the Board of Investment for perks availment. The investment board has approved perks, such as duty-free importation of capital equipment and income tax holiday, for San Carlos and First Bukidnon. San Carlos and First Bukidnon will each cost about Php1.5 billion (US$32.7 million) to 1.6 billion (US$34.9 million) to build. (July 6, 2007)