Sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) Potential of sugar palm for bio-ethanol production

This FACT sheet is based on a Dutch report on biofuels, prepared by Wageningen University in the Netherlands. FACT has translated the document from Dutch into English with the intention of making it available to largest possible audience. The main target groups of this document are parties involved in the development of sustainable biofuels in developing countries (NGO’s, small and medium Sized Enterprises, local entrepreneurs, local governments, local farmers and farmers groups). We hope the document helps in making well balanced decisions in new research and projects involving sugar palm. Our main aim is to provide information and assist in the development of projects, either research or (semi-) commercial development, that:
- bring development to the local population,
- do not threaten food security,
- have minimal negative impacts on the environment and biodiversity,
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
- have a positive energy balance.