The Chinese government is to promote the large-scale application of the oil alternative "gasohol" to alleviate energy shortages, said Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan in Beijing on Monday.

 

Gasohol is a fuel mixture made from 90 percent gasoline and 10 percent ethanol, and which is mass-produced by fermentation of sugar or starch.

 

At a State Council meeting to discuss energy substitute development, Zeng said the government would raise the proportion of alternative energies in the nation’s total energy consumption.

 

This focus would also cover projects involving liquefied coal, bio-diesel, marsh gas, solar energy, wind power, and hydropower, he added.

 

The government would give more support in tax-breaks and loans to ensure these sectors’ rapid development, said Zeng.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 21, 2006)