China: Taking Steps Towards Biofuels Development

By Chris Lawrence, BCS, Incorporated

As the world’s second largest consumer of oil, with its consumption reaching approximately 7.5 million barrels of oil each day, China is taking strides to move toward alternative forms of energy.[i] To this end, China is cooperating with the United States on biofuels research. On December 11, 2007, the United States and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in which biofuels cooperation was highlighted. The countries agree to collaborate in all areas of biofuel production, including the scientific, technical, and policy aspects of biofuels development, production, and use. Specific areas of interest include biomass production and sustainability, conversion technologies, bio-based products, and rural development strategies. This agreement will benefit both the U.S. and Chinese agriculture industries, as new markets for several agricultural commodities and waste products become evident through the increased cooperation between the two nations. The agencies involved in this effort include the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Energy, and China’s National Development and Reform Commission.[ii]