The research project will conduct assessment of the biofuels subsector within the framework of the Philippines Energy Plan (PEP) with the end in view of preparing the Philippines Biofuel Development Masterplan

Specifically, this project aims to:

1. Conduct inventory and assess the viability, suitability and sustainability of potential feedstock for biofuel production
2. Analyze the social, economic and environmental impact of biofuel production
3. Project and analyze the market supply and demand of biofuel at the national, regional and global levels
4. Assess available technology for biofuel production
5. Conduct inventory and analysis of land use for plantation of biofuel crops
6. Identify investment and financing opportunities and possible partnership of public and private sectors
7. Recommend for the establishment and utilization of Biofuel Investment Facility

Based on findings of the assessment, the project will facilitate the preparation of Biofuel Development Masterplan consistent with the PEP taking into consideration all the requirements set forth in the Philippines Biofuel Act.

The Project will have two phases, namely:

1. Phase 1 - Resource Inventory and Biofuel Crops Assessment. The team shall conduct inventory (production, location, land suitability) and market assessment of the following potential biofuel crops:

a. Coconut
b. Sugar
c. Cassava
d. Sweet Sorghum
e. Jatropha
f. Corn
g. Malunggay
h. Sunflower

Likewise, available processing technologies for each crops into biofuel shall be determined to identify the most appropriate technology for the Philippines in terms of economy, quality and sustainability.

2. Phase 2- Biofuel Development Masterplan

The Biofuel Development Masterplan shall cover but not limited on the following:

· Biofuel Country Assessment Report
· Development Framework and Challenges
· Priority Crops for Strategic Biofuel Development and Locations/Soil Suitability
· Research and Development
· Human Resource Development
· Community and Rural Development
· Technology and Infrastructure Development
· Policies and Regulations
· Quality and Standards
· Environmental Measures and Contribution Against Climate Change and Global Warming
· Public-Private Sector Partnership
· Information, Education and Communication Program
· Institutional Mechanism
· Monitoring an Evaluation
· Finance and Investment

This project will be in partnership with the National Biofuel Board (NBB) and the Department of Energy, Philippines.