Cassava to ethanol plan announced in Thailand

It has been reported the amount of ethanol produced from cassava in Thailand will nearly double to 3 million tonnes in 2014.

The Ministry of Commerce will allocate 10 billion baht (€224.5 million) to manage a cassava income plan for next season.

‘If the new government chooses not to implement the income guarantee plan next year, ethanol producers could still purchase fresh cassava root directly from farmers at a lower price [than the guaranteed price],’ energy secretary Suthep Liumsirijarern was quoted as saying.

Around 38% of Thailand’s ethanol is made from the feedstock, with the rest coming via molasses.