The Only Missing Factor for Bio-ethanol Production is a Turkish Incentive Law

The Bio-ethanol Manufacturers' Association of Turkey Vice President and Tezkim Agricultural Chemical Construction CEO Ahmet Tezcan declared that in order to initiate activity in the bio-ethanol sector, Tezkim (of which he is the proprietor) in Adana, Tarkim in Bursa and Çumra ?eker Factory in Konya invested approximately 125 million dollars total. However, before going into operation, they are waiting for the state to decide on the Bio-ethanol Usage Necessity Act.

Expressing that the aforementioned facilities are waiting in the wings for the Renewable Energy Law in drafting to be issued in order to move out of its present inactive state, Tezcan asserted: “When the facilities are put into operation, we will be in the position to replace 5 percent of Turkey's total gasoline consumption. If the usage share is 5 percent, we will provide an annual net contribution of 700 million lira to the state budget.”

Tezcan explained that the alternative to bio-ethanol is imported gasoline, which creates only a limited amount of employment in Turkey. However, since bio-ethanol is a product manufactured in Turkey, numerous jobs are created at all stages of its production, from the initial raw materials to its final transportation to consumers. Therefore, supporting bio-ethanol production contributes favorably to employment in Turkey.

While he was discussing that among the items on the agenda of Turkey's EU membership process that are about to be disclosed is energy, Tezcan added: “The 5.75 percent target of renewable energy set for 2020 has risen to 10 percent and this target has been made compulsory for all EU members. Moreover, in the context that we were a signing party of the KYOTO protocol, the green fuel bio-ethanol must absolutely be supported.” (AA)