Philippines looking for investments for nine ethanol plants

The Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE) recently passed a circular aimed at attracting companies to invest a total of PHP15 billion (US$351.2 million) for the construction of nine ethanol plants in the country. Bioethanol demand in the Philippines is expected to reach 500 million liters in 2012. A government directive issued last August 6, 2011 stipulates that all gasoline sold in the country should contain a minimum of 10% bioethanol. Construction of the nine additional ethanol plants is expected to meet rising demand for bioethanol. According to Energy Director Mario Marasigan, each ethanol facility would cost approximately PHP1.6 billion (US$37.4 million) to build, bringing the total cost of nine facilities to nearly PHP15 billion (US$351.2 million). Several companies had previously expressed interest, among them were JG Summit Corp., San Miguel Corp., First Pampanga Biofuels, Eastern Petroleum and Fuel Using Ethanol Ltd. (January 13, 2012)