Pacific Biofields plans project in the Philippines

Japan-based Pacific Biofields Corp. is ready to build a coconut-based biodiesel plant in northern Philippines, a government official said. Biofields and local joint venture partner BioEnergy Northern Luzon Inc. have started planting coconut seedlings in Ilocos Norte province. The two companies initially plan to develop 100,000-200,000 hectares of coconut farmland for the project, with all of the output to be exported to Japan, he said. One hectare of farmland yields one ton of coconut oil on average. The companies hope to eventually develop 600,000 hectares of coconut plantations. Japan appears eager to implement biodiesel requirements for all diesel engines as part of its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Kyoto Protocol. To implement a standard nationwide blend of 5% biodiesel, Japan needs around 2.5 billion liters a year of biodiesel. (July 15, 2008)