Ethanol production to soar above 90 billion litres

The Global Annual Ethanol Production Forecast predicts production of ethanol will peak at 90.38 litres in 2014.

The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) and F.O. Licht, who published the forecast yesterday, are expecting nearly a 2.7% rise in the output of global ethanol this year.

In 2013, global ethanol production reached 88 billion litres, but despite 'forecasts of global economic growth remaining sluggish, the global ethanol industry continues to increase its production and contribution to the global economy,' says Bliss Baker, spokesperson for the GRFA.

While the European Union is expecting to see ethanol production jump over 8% this year, Africa is forecasted to see growth of over 136% in 2014.

'Although total volumes of ethanol produced in emerging regions like Africa are lower in comparison to more established producers, a production increase of over 130% is incredible because we know that these production increases will drive new investment in agricultural and job creation while reducing Africa's reliance on imported oil, adds Baker.

'With increases in production in most ethanol producing regions and countries, 2014 looks to be another year where the global ethanol industry will continue to make a positive economic contribution globally and again be a bright light in an otherwise dim global economy,' concludes Baker.