MANILA — The Department of Energy has started public consultations on the technical, economic and financial viability of raising the minimum biodiesel blend to five percent from two percent as part of the country's efforts to promote alternative fuel sources.

"Spearheaded by the Philippine Coconut Authority, we have been going around doing public consultation. In fact we have already started consulting with biofuel producers," Energy director Mario Marasigan told reporters.

Marasigan said the Philippines has enough excess biodiesel supply to meet a five percent blend.

"The biodiesel production facilities we have in the country are capable of producing more than 390 million liters while our demand is only between 140 to 160 million liters," he said.

The Biofuels Law of 2006 mandates a minimum one percent biodiesel blend into all diesel engine fuels upon the approval of the implementing rules and regulations of the law.

The mandated biodiesel blend will increase to two percent for biodiesel two years from the effectivity of law.

There are currently 11 biodiesel players registered with the Energy Department namely Chemrez Technologies Inc., Pure Essence International Inc., Golden Asian Oil International Inc., Bioenergy 8 Corporation, Tantuco Enterprises Inc., Freyvonne Milling Services, Mt. Holy Coco Industrial Co. Ltd., Rasza Agro Produce Corporation, Romtron Philippines, Phil. Biochem Products Inc. and Lipi Tech, Inc.

Coconut oil is the most popular feedstock for biodiesel in the Philippines which is sold in the market in the form of CME (coco-methyl ester).

The department believes that adding CME to standard diesel fuel results to better combustion, less pollution and more engine power. Engines using biodiesel run smoothly and have longer maintenance intervals. (PNA)

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