DOE proposes changes in biodiesel blend

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) has proposed revisions in the required coco-methyl ester specification or biodiesel blend for oul companies.

The move is in compliance with the Clean Air Act of 1999 and the Biofuels Act of 2006, DOE director for oil industry management bureau Zenaida Monsada said.

She said the proposed changes are in line with the DOE’scontinuing policies and programs in updating fuel quality specification in terms of current requirements of the industry, its users and manufacturers.

“This is also to harmonize international and regional environment standards for fuel quality. The said revision improves the oxidation stability, sulfur content and includes new properties such as carbon residue on 10 percent sample, iodine number and total contamination,” she noted.

For the higher coconut biofuel blend, the proposed standard seeks to address the technical requirement of a higher blended diesel oil (B5) and suitable test methods.

“This standard will support future energy policies towards the integration of higher biofuel blends in the petroleum and fuel sector,” Monsada said.

Energy Stakeholders were given until Sept. 20 to submit comments on the proposed new standards.

The DOE has asked the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to conduct an “impact study” for the implementation of the higher biodiesel blend of five percent from the current two percent.

The study aims to assess the demand and supply of coconut biodiesel, the logistics, as well as the impact on prices, Monsada earlier said.

There would also be nationwide public consultations starting next month and a test run on public utility jeepneys for five days to see if their engines would run smoothly using the higher blend, she said.

Under the law, the amount of coconut oil for fuel to be blended with diesel may be increased taking into account such considerations as domestic supply and availability of locally sourced biodiesel.

However, since 2009, the biodiesel blend has been pegged at two percent.