Policy-practice-research of Chinese bioethanol program: past and future

Abstract

China is expanding its bioethanol production to power its growing economy. However, food security concerns must be addressed when developing bioethanol industry because production of biofuels and food are closely related. This paper aims to deliver an updated picture of Chinese bioethanol program to aid the dialogue between different stakeholders. This paper reviewed China's short history regarding policy, practice and research of bioethanol production and then analysed on the opportunities and challenges of bioethanol implementation in China. It is concluded that China is having a difficult time on balancing crop use for food, feed, and fuel and domestic technology of non-grain bioethanol production, which is on preliminary stage. Suggestions for a successful bioethanol implementation were proposed. Government support and technology improvement of non-grain bioethanol production and investments in infrastructure and facilities for feedstock logistic are essential. The cooperation between industries should be reinforced to promote the biofuel market.