China

Summary of national biofuels policy and strategy – updated 22nd August 2008

Biofuels substitution targets

Targets: 10% ethanol substitution target in 9 provinces. No biodiesel target.

National policy and trends in biofuels crop development

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) leads biofuel development in China. Stated objectives for biofuel development are:

1. rural development;

2. energy security and reduced oil dependence;

3. mitigation of CO2 emissions.

NDRC produced a draft 5 year biofuels plan in October 2006 but this was not approved because of concerns about competition with food supplies. Emphasis will be on using ethanol feedstocks from non-arable lands using tuber crops and sweet sorghum. New licences for use of corn are unlikely. China is a net sugar importer and is not encouraging its use as an ethanol feedstock. Cassava and sweet potatoes are being promoted and also cellulosic ethanol production.

There is less emphasis on the use of biodiesel. China imports plant oils and current biodiesel production is based on recycled oils and fats. Jatropha curcas, and other plant oil crops, are the focus of attention by the State Forestry Administration and PetroChina with the prospect of large areas of forest plantations being dedicated to biofuel plantations.

Sources:

FO Licht's World Ethanol & Biofuels Report: www.agra-net.com

Worldwatch: http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4959

USDA Foreign Agricultural Service:

http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200706/146291296.pdf