Thailand establishes public/private biofuels council to oversee policy and management of biofuel development

In Thailand, the government has established a new, national biofuels organization, which will include members of the government, industry, and private citizens. The Energy Ministry has begin coordination talks with the Commerce and Agriculture ministries, as well as representatives of universities, farmers, car makers and oil retailers. A 21-member panel will supervise policy while a 13-member panel will supervise management of biofuels development from field to wheels. $3 million in palm oil taxes will be used to support the committees.

Earlier this month, Thai Energy Minister Piyasvasti Amranand said that biofuels sales would increase in 2008 to $469 million from $157 million in 2007. He said that the cost of oil imports have fallen 10% as a result of biofuel usage and a stronger currency, adding that gasoline would be replaced by E10 and E20 blends by 2012.

Thai biofuel demand has increased more than 100 percent for 2007; the spur in biofuels sales comes not only from the introduction on E20, but also the implementation of a B2 mandate. Demand is so brisk that major oil traders may be required to establish mandatory strategic reserves of ethanol and biodiesel in addition to conventional fossil fuels.

Biofuel distributor Bangchak said that it had voluntarily set up a reserve of 790,000 gallons of ethanol and 378,000 gallons of biodiesel.

Free Subscription to the Daily Biofuels Digest e-newsletter

Related Stories

Mozambique establishes national biofuels policy

In Mozambique, the national government approved a National Biofuel Policy and Strategy, which establishes a biofuels pilot stage through 2015, an operation stage through 2020, and and expansion period...

Thailand aims to increase cassava yield as ethanol capacity grows

In Thailand, a survey of the country's cassava production capabilities has been published highlighting improving cassava yields. Yield have improved from 0.9 tonnes per acre in 1995 to 1.4 tonnes per ...

US Bureau of Land Management establishes Renewable Energy Coordination Offices

In Washington, the outgoing Secretary of the Interior authorized the Bureau of Land Management to establish Renewable Energy Coordination Offices that will expedite wind, solar, biomass, and geotherma...

Japan to increase ethanol imports from Thailand as country moves on E3 mandate

In Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced that it will increase ethanol imports from Thailand under the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement, and in support of Japan's i...

Japan to increase ethanol imports from Thailand as country moves on E3 mandate

In Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced that it will increase ethanol imports from Thailand under the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement, and in support of Japan's i...

Thailand inks agreement to support South Korea’s move toward biofuels with data, technology exchange

In Thailand, the energy ministry said that it has inked an agreement with the Korea Institute of Petroleum Management for data and technology exchanges. One of the aims of the agreement is to provide ...