RP eyes biofuels technology from India

The Philippine government will explore the possibility of applying biofuels technology from India, a ranking energy official said.

"We’re sending a delegation consisting of the DOST (Department of Science and Technology), DA (Department of Agriculture), and DOE (Department of Energy) to take a look at India’s jetropa bio-fuels initiative," Energy Secretary Raphael P. M. Lotilla said.

Lotilla said Indian government officials have committed a possible transfer of expertise and knowledge for such technology.

According to Lotilla, the state-owned Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC)-Energy Development Corp. (EDC) is also doing its own research on this kind of technology.

"PNOC-EDC is planting its geothermal reservation with jetropa right now," he said. EDC is one of the government’s arms in promoting renewable energy sources.

The energy chief said the geothermal company is exploring prospects of replicating India’s experience in the domestic front.

EDC is gearing up to provide the feedstock. PNOC, on the other hand, is looking at a joint venture that would allow it to be an off-taker with a middleman. They’re exploring that possibility," he said.

Jetropa, which is considered a diesel plant, produces vegetable oil for automobiles and diesel generators. India is using jetropa as part of its effort to promote bio-diesel as a new form of non- conventional energy source.

Another renewable energy source technology being pushed by India is natural gas.

Tata Industries of India, for instance, had recently expressed strong interest to supply and assemble natural gas-run vehicles in the Philippines.

The DOE had recently facilitated meetings with Tata Industries and local bus operators for a possible joint undertaking in pushing for the natural gas vehicle program for public transport (NGVPPT).

Aside from Tata Industries, other CNG bus suppliers include Cummins Westport (US/Canada-China); Daewoo (Korea); and Ashok, Leyland (India).