Added 14 days ago - Manila Times reported that Toyota Tsusho Corporation is eyeing to dominate Asia's biodiesel industry with a plan to establish a hub in the Philippines in two years' time.

Mr Hirohiko Omura global project planning department head at Toyota Tsusho said that the company is very likely to push through with investments in General Santos and Davao cities for jatropha plantations and factories. These facilities will cater to the biodiesel requirements not only of the Philippines but also of China, South Korea, Japan and parts of Europe, he said.

He added that "Right now, we are still in the joint venture study with Dole Philippines. We provide all the technical and scientific aspect of it, while they do the actual feasibility and viability studies."

Toyota Tsusho started its JV study with Dole Philippines last July on 50 to 200 hectares of land. In one and a half to two years, the Japanese firm will determine how many hectares factories would be required for its biodiesel venture.

The Japanese executive said that this was the first time that Toyota Tsusho would venture biofuels production. The company would want to expand to other Asian countries, such as Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. He added that "Several developing and developed countries need biodiesel. We chose the jatropha since it requires minimal water and will not compete with edible crops."

Mr Rosemarie Gumera, an official of the National Biofuels Board, said that Toyota Tsusho has been coordinating with NBB to comply with the government's requirements for biodiesel plantation and production. He added that "This means, Toyota Tsusho's intent of exporting biodiesel will likewise help the country since we have a surplus and it will redound to the benefit of the economy."

Developing jatropha costs PHP 22,000 to PHP 30,000 per hectare. Toyota Tsusho is eyeing to develop at least 200,000 hectares. Mr Gumera said the currently mandated biodiesel blend for oil companies in the country is 2%. However, this will be increased to 5% in the near future.

http://www.jatrophahq.com/jatropha-curcas-news/toyota-tsusho-plans-jatropha-biodiesel-hub-in-philippines/