Since the late 1970s, Thailand has recognised the need for a domestically produced transport fuel. Seeking to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, the government turned to ethanol, a renewable biofuel derived primarily from crops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ethanol production takes two forms: first-generation ethanol, made from crops such as corn, sugar cane, cassava and molasses; and second-generation ethanol, which uses agricultural residues, wood and grasses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A major milestone came in 2003, with the launch<\/a> of the National Ethanol Program and the Gasohol Strategic Plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yet, for much of the past two decades, significant breakthroughs in cassava-based ethanol production were lacking, especially compared to the relatively simpler molasses and sugar cane processes. A major industry advancement occurred in 2024, however, with the yield-boosting adoption of genetically modified (GM) yeast and advanced cellulase enzymes. These technologies, well-established in corn-based ethanol production, are now being adopted for cassava. Recent trials confirm their effectiveness in maximising ethanol extraction, paving the way for higher efficiency and lower production costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond energy security, ethanol is a key tool of Thailand\u2019s strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. Studies indicate ethanol reduces carbon dioxide emissions by about 40%<\/a> compared to petrol, making it an attractive option for decarbonising economies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following the Thai government\u2019s recent decision to extend<\/a> its biofuels mandate by two years, to 2026, demand for E20 fuel (20% ethanol, 80% petrol) and E85 (85% ethanol, 15% petrol) is expected to rise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With biofuels at the centre of Thailand\u2019s energy transition, ethanol will be key in meeting national commitments<\/a> to achieve carbon neutrality<\/a> by 2050, and net-zero emissions by 2065.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOptimising ethanol production<\/h2>\n\n\n\n