Department of Energy mulls higher biodiesel blend

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) is looking at the possibility of increasing the blend of biodiesel to three percent from the current two percent by the end of the year.

DOE director Mario Marasigan said a technical committee on petroleum products standards is now formulating the guidelines for the increased blend.

“The idea of increasing the blend to B3 was floated and is now being studied by a technical committee,” Marasigan said.

He said they are now finalizing the details of the guidelines and will present them to the public for consultation.

“If we will be able to complete the consultation, we will hopefully implement the higher blend within the year,” he said.

The move is consistent with efforts to promote the use of alternative fuels and catch up with developments in other neighboring countries on the use of biofuels.

In Thailand, PTT Public Co. Ltd. is already selling B5 or five-percent blend of biodiesel. The state-run oil company is currently exploring the possibility of offering B10 and B20.

Marasigan said he is optimistic the Philippines will be able to surpass these efforts.

The DOE, he said, recently promulgated guidelines for Republic Act 9367 or the Biofuels Act of 2006 to facilitate the entry of more investors into the biofuels industry.

“The joint administrative order published provides clearer and faster accreditation process for biofuel producers, distributors and oil companies,” he said.

The order, he said, will specifically “promote development of the biofuel industry in the country and encourage private sector participation and to institute mechanisms which will fasttrack investments in the biofuel industry.”

Marasigan said the guidelines also provide for the creation a one-stop shop (OSS) under the supervision of the National Biofuels Board (NBB).