HAIKOU /China/, October 19. /TASS/. The southern Chinese province of Hainan is preparing to launch a large-scale biofuel production plant, Hainan Ribao reported.

According to the newspaper, the facility is owned by Hainan Eco Prime and is located within Yangpu Port in the Economic Development Zone on the island’s northwestern coast. It is expected to produce up to 300,000 metric tons of fuel per year.

Investment in the project totals 1.2 billion yuan, or more than $178 million. The industrial site covers an area of 100,000 square meters. The plant will process food waste into eco-friendly aviation fuel.

The project has received 1.2 billion yuan in investment, which is more than $178 million. The industrial site covers 100,000 square meters. The plant will convert food waste into environmentally friendly aviation fuel.

The article noted that construction is on schedule. Builders have successfully finished laying underground pipelines and constructing key infrastructure and have started finishing buildings and installing equipment. By the end of this year, it is expected that the facility will conduct a pre-startup safety inspection and prepare for the equipment's trial operation.

According to Hainan Ribao, Zhang Zhilong, deputy general manager of the Eco Prime holding company, which is based in Chongqing in southwestern China, stated that the Hainan plant is equipped with units that produce 2,000 normal cubic meters of hydrogen per hour from light hydrocarbons. The facility features a sulfur recovery unit, specialized storage tanks, and loading and unloading facilities. Once operational, the plant will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 400,000 metric tons per year.

A growing number of mainland Chinese companies that focus on foreign markets are establishing production facilities in Hainan. According to the newspaper, they are attracted by the free trade port's preferential terms and advantages, which allow for the expedited shipment of goods to other countries. Yangpu Port is connected by sea routes to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, and North and South America. Biofuel produced in China’s southernmost province and certified in accordance with advanced international standards is expected to be shipped directly to Europe and other regions.