China plans to double domestic ethanol output by 2020
China plans to double ethanol production to four million metric tons by 2020, extending on its previous target of 2015. The country has been struggling to meet its targets for agricultural energy amid concerns over food security and a shortage of large-scale supply of biomass raw materials such as corn stalks. Production will focus on ethanol from cellulosic fibre and non-grain sources such as cassava rather than from food sources, which will be used only when crops are unfit for human consumption.
In China, the country is looking to double ethanol production to 4 million metric tons by 2020 as it aims to work through its untenable grain stocks. The country had aimed for 4 million tons of ethanol production by 2015 but its tight hold on grain kept that from happening. Second-generation from crop waste associated with grain production, like corn stover, is seen as key for meeting the 2020 targets despite acknowledgment that the technology is not ready for prime time. Feedstocks such as cassava and other non-grain feedstocks will be prioritized as well as grain not fit for human consumption.