Ethanol plant startup delayed as demand set to rise

In the Philippines, commercial operations at the Roxhol Bioenergy ethanol plant in Negros Occidental province have been delayed, after production was due to start on 1 July 2011.

Operations are now due to start in August/September, when the plant will begin producing 100,000 litres a day of ethanol from molasses.

Although talks have been held regarding the sale of ethanol produced at the plant, no long-term contracts have been signed.

The nation's E10 mandate is due to be partly implemented in August this year, which will see demand for the biofuel grow. The mandate will be fully applicable on 6 February 2012.

In order to meet the E10 target, the Philippines will require around 400 million litres/year of ethanol.