Yunnan to become China's largest bio-energy base

China’s Yunnan Province recently revised its development plan for fuel ethanol, said Yunnan Province’s Economic Committee on August 21st. The province’s fuel ethanol output is expected to reach 2 million tons by 2010, making Yunnan the largest bio-energy manufacturing base in China. The provincial government has already granted approval for 20 fuel ethanol plants to be built in Yunnan. By the end of 2007, output from 10 companies operating in Honghe and Dehong states and in Lincang City will reach 300,000 tons. Yunnan Province is a major producer of tapioca and sweet potatoes, non-grain crops ideal for the manufacture of fuel ethanol. (August 23, 2007)