Submitted by Carlos Rymer (not verified) on Tue, 07/03/2007 - 13:49.
I agree that producing biodiesel and ethanol in Haiti would be great. It would create lots of jobs, help gain strong economic growth, meet local transportation demand, and potentially allow for a new export market in the country.
However, I don't know if the Dominican Republic would be the viable market, for two reasons. Before I give those two reasons, it's worth mentioning that Haiti can potentially produce both biodiesel and ethanol. The first reason is that the DR is also developing both of these fuels to meet local needs. Already, a Brazilian company will begin producing enough ethanol in 2009 to meet about 13% of domestic needs.
The other reason is that the DR is thinking of producing both to meet domestic needs and to export. Jatropha can also be grown in the DR, and there is much more land it in the DR. In addition, the country already has policies to promote these fuels.
Because of these reasons, Haiti's biodiesel/ethanol production will have to meet local demands and regional demands. Many regional island nations are pushing for carbon dioxide emission reductions, so exporting it regionally and internationally will probably be the best option.
About Exporting Biodiesel to the Dominican Republic
I agree that producing biodiesel and ethanol in Haiti would be great. It would create lots of jobs, help gain strong economic growth, meet local transportation demand, and potentially allow for a new export market in the country.
However, I don't know if the Dominican Republic would be the viable market, for two reasons. Before I give those two reasons, it's worth mentioning that Haiti can potentially produce both biodiesel and ethanol. The first reason is that the DR is also developing both of these fuels to meet local needs. Already, a Brazilian company will begin producing enough ethanol in 2009 to meet about 13% of domestic needs.
The other reason is that the DR is thinking of producing both to meet domestic needs and to export. Jatropha can also be grown in the DR, and there is much more land it in the DR. In addition, the country already has policies to promote these fuels.
Because of these reasons, Haiti's biodiesel/ethanol production will have to meet local demands and regional demands. Many regional island nations are pushing for carbon dioxide emission reductions, so exporting it regionally and internationally will probably be the best option.