Korea to boost biodiesel blend to 2%

Korea plans to increase the amount of biodiesel in its regular diesel fuel next year to help cut back on carbon dioxide emissions, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy said. According to the ministry, the biodiesel blend will be raised from the current 1.5% to 2% in 2010. It said the government will also waive the oil tax of 529 won (US$0.46) per liter of diesel fuel due to the rise in biomass content. Korea was the first Asian country to mix biodiesel with petroleum diesel in July 2006. (December 28, 2009)