Philippines’ BOI approves Negros bioethanol plant

The Philippines’ Canlaon Alco Green Agro Industrial Corp. will invest Php5.192 billion (US$119.8 million) to establish a bioethanol plant in Bago, Negros Occidental. The 52.2 million liter capacity plant received “pioneer status” from the Board of Investments (BOI), which entitles the company to a six-year income tax-holiday. The company is expected to employ 160 workers when it becomes operational in December 2012. While producing bioethanol for fuel, the purified carbon dioxide that is produced as a by-product will be supplied to beverage firms for food-grade products. Projected Philippine demand for ethanol in 2012 is expected to reach 849 million liters. (March 18,2011)