Taiwan Sugar signs biofuel agreement with US group

Taiwan Sugar Corporation has entered into a new memorandum of understanding with the US Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC), marking a significant step in Taiwan’s transition toward low‑carbon energy and bioethanol development.

The agreement establishes a platform for bioethanol technology exchange, supporting Taiwan’s national strategy to achieve net‑zero emissions and expand green energy capacity. Under the partnership, both sides will collaborate on advancing bioethanol production, exploring suitable raw materials, and integrating new technologies.

Taiwan Sugar emphasised that sugarcane alone cannot meet future production needs, so the first phase will focus on identifying alternative feedstocks, with initial results expected next year.

The agreement also aligns with Taiwan’s ambition to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), targeting at least 5% SAF usage in international flights by 2030. Bioethanol is seen as a key component in developing these fuels, helping reduce carbon emissions across land, sea, and air transport.

USGBC representatives highlighted the potential for Taiwan to stabilise supply and reduce fuel costs by importing cost‑effective U.S. ethanol while gradually building domestic production capacity. Taiwan Sugar’s leadership described the agreement as a milestone in Taiwan–US green energy cooperation, reinforcing the island’s energy resilience and circular‑economy goals.