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Growers join ethanol push
24 Aug 2004
Austcane, a business venture run by a group of Burdekin sugarcane growers, is negotiating with Dedini, the major Brazilian maker of sugar and ethanol mills. Austcane revealed plans yesterday for Dedini to import a mill that will produce sugar and ethanol, as well as waste for generating electricity.
The announcement came as Queensland's Premier put more pressure on both the Howard Government and Labor colleagues to mandate an ethanol blend in Australian petrol. Mr Beattie has organised an "ethanol bus" to tour sugar areas. Several Brazilian industry experts are taking part and have told Queensland growers they make ethanol commercially viable at oil prices of $US22-24 a barrel, much less than the prices now close to $US50 a barrel. In Brazil, pure ethanol sells at half the price of petrol, and every litre of petrol sold there must contain 25 per cent ethanol.
Austcane director David Cox said the venture intends to apply for funds available in the Federal Government's sugar package dedicated to community projects.
Australian Financial Review, 24/8/04.
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