Australian university researchers propose pilot sugar cane ethanol plant; say Aussie bagasse can supply 900 Mgy

In Australia, the Queensland University of Technology has proposed a $7 million pilot sugar cane ethanol plant for Mackay. University researchers have said that they expect to be able to produce up to 900 Mgy of ethanol using bagasse.

Opposition parties in Queensland introduced a bill for a ten percent ethanol mandate, with opposition leader Lawrence Springborg telling the Sunshine Coast Daily that “An ethanol mandate in Queensland could provide a massive kick-start to the fledgling renewable fuels industry, reduce Queensland’s reliance on imports, create jobs and improve air quality.” Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, expected to oppose the bill, said that the state will use five percent ethanol by 2010 without the mandate.

The Australian ethanol industry has hired auto-industry expert, Juliet Potter, a director of AutoChic, to promote Queensland’s +e ethanol campaign to women. Research in Australia has shown that acceptance and support for biofuels lags among women.

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