A higher biodiesel blend means that locally produced, environmentally friendly, and sustainable fuel will displace imported petrochemical fuel, which D&L Industries subsidiary Chemrez Technologies Inc. — the country’s pioneer in green chemistry — sees as big win
The implementation of the long-awaited increase in the country's biodiesel or Coco Methyl Ester, or CME, blend this year is anticipated to help save around 450 million liters of diesel annually
— slightly slashing the country's oil importation.
A higher biodiesel blend means that locally produced, environmentally friendly, and sustainable fuel will displace imported petrochemical fuel, which Chemrez Technologies, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of D&L Industries and the country's pioneer in green chemistry, saw as a big win.
The Department of Energy has published a draft circular specifying guidelines on the biofuel blend implementation.
DoE circular
Effective 1 July, the DoE circular mandates an increase in biodiesel blend from two percent, or B2, to three percent, or B3. Eventually, it will be increased to four percent, or B4, after a year or by 1 July 2025 until finally reaching five percent, or B5, by 1 July 2026.
"This directive from the DoE is a huge step towards progress and the development of the biodiesel and coconut industry in general. This should pave the way for greater energy self-sufficiency while collectively reducing our CO2 footprint on the planet," Chemrez president and CEO Dean Lao Jr. said on Thursday.
A position paper by Chemrez stated that an eventual hike from B2 to B5 will translate to a reduction in diesel volume, equivalent to about 450 million liters of diesel displaced by biodiesel annually; taking into account the country's current diesel consumption at around 15 billion liters.
With cars being one of the biggest contributors to global warming, the increased use of environmentally friendly biodiesel will result in a significant reduction in the Philippines' greenhouse gas emissions.
The implementation of B5 is estimated to result in about 1.1 million metric tons reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent annual
Mileage improvement
Additionally, Chemrez noted that tests conducted by the DoE showed that a hike to B5 from B2 will result in a mileage improvement of around 10 percent, adding up to the previously mentioned CO2e reduction.
Under Republic Act 9367 or the "Biofuels Act of 2006," a one percent CME blend should be added to local diesel yearly. However, it was last increased to two percent in 2007.
The Biofuels Act mandates that only locally sourced biofuel components should be used in the biodiesel blend.
The act aims to create a sustainable future by decreasing the importation of refined fuel, such as diesel and gasoline, while also boosting farmers' incomes.
