Ethanol project results "encouraging," says Staatsolie

Suriname's state oil company Staatsolie this year aims to complete studies including the environmental and social aspects of a sugarcane to ethanol project, according to information from the NOC. The company in December 2010 started a pilot to test sugarcane varieties in Wageningen, Nickerie district. "The first varieties have been harvested and the yield in percentages as well as in tons per hectare has been determined. The results are encouraging." Staatsolie added yields in sugar percentages and in tons per hectare exceed the parameters established for achieving a good result. Part of the biofuel would be mixed with gasoline from the company's new refinery and another part exported. Staatsolie hired Environmental Resources Management to conduct the environmental and social impact assessment study.