Philippine ethanol firm seeks partners

Philippine firm Eastern Renewables and Fuels Corp. (ERFC), an affiliate of oil firm Eastern Petroleum Corp., said in late February that it is searching for partners for its proposed ethanol facility. Eastern Petroleum said a joint venture is in the works, but declined to name companies it has been in talks with. An ethanol plant with a capacity of 100,000 liters per day would typically command an investment of US$25 million, the company said. Before constructing the plant, Eastern Renewables is firming up details for developing 10,000 hectares of cassava plantation. (February 23/24, 2009)