DENR promotes use of alternative fuel

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will launch soon a program to promote the use of alternative fuel particularly biodiesel to minimize environmental and energy problems.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) will be forged among DENR, Senbel Fine Chemicals Co., Inc. and Total Petroleum Corp.

Senbel will supply the biodiesel while Total Petroleum will provide petroleum diesel. For its part, the DENR will "model" the use of biodiesel.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Heherson Alvarez said that as the lead agency in the implementation of the Clean Air Act, the DENR needs to practice what it preaches. Alvarez is convinced that the transport sector will eventually follow if the DENR is able to show that biodiesel coupled with proper vehicle maintenance will lower emissions and extend the life of the engine.

Biodiesel is a promising alternative fuel for petroleum diesel engines. It is derived from coconuts and other plant or vegetable oils and animal fats that can be used as blend for petroleum diesel for engines.

It can be renewed and replenished. It is environmentally friendly as studies show that compared with petroleum diesel, its emission is lower in terms of carbon dioxide, soot and nitrous oxides. It is highly recommended for diesel engines and can be used without any modifications.

Its major advantages include high lubricating properties minimizing wear and tear of engines and improving fuel ignition and combustion.

Alvarez said the development of renewable forms of fuels or energy sources like biodiesel, ethanol, biogas and hydro power is current and necessary considering that the fossil fuel that took hundreds of million years to create is fast running out.

This is also in consonance with the multisectoral commitment toward alternative fuels.

In a workshop organized by the Partnership for Clean Air with assistance from the Dutch government, Energy Secretary Vincent Perez Jr. said the government is looking into healthier fuel options. He said the Department of Energy has created an Alternative Fuels Technology Division to focus on clean fuels which include compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and cocodiesel.