This week, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) Regional Director for Taiwan Michael Lu attended the 10th New Energy International Forum, and the Council sponsored a keynote speaker to offer a global perspective on decarbonization, low-carbon fuel policies and the strategic role of biofuels in achieving net-zero objectives.

The 10th New Energy International Forum is one of the region's premier energy policy and industry conferences, organized by Business Today magazine. The forum brings together senior government officials, energy companies, academics, media representatives and international experts to discuss energy transition and sustainability.

"Increasing awareness among Taiwanese policymakers regarding the role of bioethanol in the region's decarbonization strategies and goals creates avenues to increase demand that U.S. ethanol producers can meet," Lu said.

"Highlighting the U.S. industry's leadership in biofuel innovation and policy development amplifies the visibility of the Council's work and heightens policymaker and end-user interest in ethanol during Taiwan's energy transition discussions."

For the first time, the 2026 forum included a dedicated session focused on low-carbon fuels, bioenergy and energy resilience. The Council invited Dr. Tristan Brown, director of the bioeconomy development group at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, to provide a global perspective on decarbonization, low-carbon fuel policy and the strategic role of bioenergy in achieving net-zero objectives.

Lu was also invited to speak at under the topic "One Drop of Ethanol, Two Decarbonization Pathways: From E10 to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) - A New Strategy for Taiwan's Energy Resilience." Lu highlighted how bioethanol can strengthen the Taiwan region's energy resilience through two complementary transportation decarbonization pathways, E10 fuel for its existing vehicle fleet in the near term and ethanol-to-jet SAF for aviation in the long term.

The forum had strong participation from senior government leadership. Premier Cho Jung-Tai and Ministry of Economic Affairs Vice Minister Lai Chien-Hsin attended and delivered remarks in support of the Taiwan region's energy transition. American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene also highlighted the potential for bioethanol to further solidify U.S.-Taiwan agricultural and energy trade while enhancing the Taiwan region's energy resilience.

"The Council is proud to serve as a resource for local leaders and stakeholders around the government's consideration of E10 gasoline blending, as well as expanding dialogue about sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and energy resilience," Lu said.

"Taking these opportunities to enhance engagement between counterparts in the region and U.S. biofuel experts strengthens market-to-market collaboration and builds robust platforms for additional future trade."

Learn more about the Council's work in the Taiwan region on the organization's website.