Laos to focus on biofuels

The government of Laos has drafted a national strategy on biofuel development in response to volatile crude oil prices. Involved in the planning process are various government units including the Ministries of Agriculture and Forestry, Energy and Mines, as well as private firms such as banks and biofuel-related businesses. Electricity Department Acting Director General Hatsady Sisoulath said the country had the potential to produce biofuel because of the abundance of agricultural land and a climate that was conducive to biofuel crop cultivation for supply to processing plants. Also, if the production of biofuels comes into reality in Laos, this form of energy will constitute about 30% of total fuel consumption by 2020 and help the country reduce fossil fuel imports. The national strategy is set for government approval by the end of the year.(June 4, 2009)