Key leaders from the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy, and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) recently visited Southeast Asia to demonstrate the U.S. industry’s commitment to supporting Indonesia and Vietnam as they enhance their domestic fuel ethanol policies.
USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor, and RFA Vice President Tad Hepner participated in high-level discussions with government officials and private sector leaders in the region. They were joined by the USGC Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEA&O) regional office team.
Indonesia and Vietnam advancing ethanol use
Indonesia is on track to implement a 5% ethanol blend (E5) in gasoline by 2025, with plans for a 10% blend (E10) by 2030. Meanwhile, Vietnam is evaluating options to expand its current E5 mandate for the RON92 (88 AKI) grade of gasoline. Together, Indonesia and Vietnam consume approximately 10 billion and 3 billion gallons of gasoline annually, respectively.
“The governments of both Indonesia and Vietnam recognize ethanol’s potential to reduce supply chain costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions,” said Ryan LeGrand. “We are here to assure policymakers that ethanol is a reliable, effective solution for almost all road vehicles.”
Collaboration and engagement in Indonesia
In Indonesia, the delegation met with Pertamina, the state-run oil and gas company, to discuss bioethanol trials and visited the country’s largest fuel terminal, where ethanol blending is already underway. The group also held meetings with Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Coordinating Ministry of Infrastructure and Rural Development to review the country’s biofuel strategies and identify future collaboration opportunities.
Additionally, the delegation engaged with representatives from the Indonesian Association of Spirits and Ethanol Producers (APSENDO) and Molindo, the nation’s leading producer of food-grade ethanol, to explore ongoing partnerships and the future of ethanol production and demand.
Strengthening Ethanol Partnerships in Vietnam
The delegation then traveled to Vietnam for productive discussions with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance. The meetings focused on strengthening cooperation to expand ethanol use within the country. Representatives from various private sector stakeholders also met with the U.S. delegation to explore the benefits of ethanol for Vietnam’s economy, environment, and public health, as well as opportunities for deeper collaboration with U.S. producers.
Commitment to sustainable ethanol solutions in Southeast Asia
“The U.S. ethanol industry stands ready to support Indonesia, Vietnam, and the broader Southeast Asia region in achieving their economic, health, and climate objectives,” LeGrand emphasized. “We are well-equipped to meet the growing demand for affordable, sustainable biofuels across SEA and beyond.”
Through these ongoing efforts, the U.S. ethanol industry continues to play a pivotal role in helping Southeast Asia transition toward cleaner, more cost-effective fuel solutions, contributing to global sustainability goals.
