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In the future, the development of fuel ethanol in China will rely more on non-food materials
Fuel ethanol production has traditionally relied on grain as the primary raw material, but this approach is no longer sufficient to meet the growing demand. To address this challenge, China must adopt a more diversified strategy. In the future, the development of fuel ethanol in China should focus increasingly on non-food materials, which not only reduce pressure on food supplies but also open up new opportunities for sustainable energy.
Since 2006, Chinese fuel ethanol producers have explored two main non-food alternatives: cassava ethanol and cellulosic ethanol. Both are derived from crops that do not compete with food production. Among these, cassava ethanol has already reached large-scale production, with a well-established technology. On the other hand, cellulosic ethanol is still in the experimental phase, requiring further technological advancements before it can be widely adopted.
Cassava stands out as an ideal alternative to corn for alcohol production. According to foreign research, cassava produces the highest alcohol yield per unit of land compared to other major feedstocks, followed by sugarcane. In terms of efficiency, planting cassava can generate nearly twice as much alcohol as corn on the same land area. Moreover, using cassava for ethanol production is highly efficient, with no waste generated throughout the process.
From an investment perspective, large-scale cassava ethanol plants offer a favorable return on investment, with a ratio of fixed assets to sales income of 1:5. The construction period is relatively short, and the payback period is quick, making it a profitable option. Additionally, existing sugar factories can repurpose their equipment to process cassava, reducing capital costs.
In terms of variable costs, corn-based ethanol has become increasingly expensive due to rising grain prices. Producing one ton of fuel ethanol requires approximately 3.3 tons of corn. With market prices averaging between 1,500 to 1,700 yuan per ton of corn, plus processing, dehydration, and sales costs, the total cost reaches around 5,950 to 6,610 yuan per ton. Selling at about 4,500 yuan per ton, companies face losses without subsidies.
In contrast, cassava ethanol is significantly cheaper. The cost per ton is 1,800 to 2,460 yuan lower than corn-based ethanol. At a selling price of 4,500 yuan per ton, and considering by-products like protein feed, cassava ethanol can generate a profit of around 1,070 yuan per ton without subsidies. Furthermore, under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), each ton of ethanol reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 2 tons, potentially earning 20 dollars per ton in emission credits.
Looking ahead, while cassava serves as a transitional solution, the long-term goal lies in cellulosic ethanol. Straw and forestry waste, abundant in China, hold immense potential. With 600 million tons of straw and 800 million tons of forestry waste available, if processed efficiently, these could produce over 150 million tons of ethanol. This would significantly ease resource constraints and support a more sustainable energy system.
In 2006, Henan Tianguan Group launched China’s first commercial cellulose ethanol project, producing 3,000 tons annually. Though current production costs remain high—around 6,000 to 6,500 yuan per ton—the project marks a critical step forward. As production scales up, costs are expected to decline.
COFCO Biochemical Energy also made significant progress in cellulosic ethanol. In 2006, they built a 500-ton-per-year pilot plant in Heilongjiang, achieving international standards. Collaborating with Danish company Novozymes, they developed advanced enzyme technology and are now working on a 10,000-ton demonstration plant. With continued innovation, cellulosic ethanol is poised to become a key player in China’s renewable energy sector within the next few years.