Philippines launches new coco-biofuel to cut emissions

The Philippine government launched an improved coco-biodiesel blend that will help in reducing carbon emissions, expand the local coconut industry, and reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel.
Shortly after getting the approval of the National Biofuels Board (NBB) to increase the mandated biodiesel blend from 2% to 5%, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the University of the Philippines-National Center for Transportation Studies (UP-NCTS) launched an on-road test of B5, a diesel fuel that contains 5% biodiesel, in public transport vehicles. Seven jeepneys were selected by the PCA and Department of Energy (DOE) to road test the B5 diesel fuel blend over 25 days.
PCA Administrator Euclides G. Forbes said in the first five days of the 25-day test, jeepney drivers will use the existing 2% coco biodiesel blend B2. In the succeeding 20 days, the jeepneys will be using B5. After the 25-day test, the participating jeepneys will be tested for fuel economy and power efficiency. A staff member of the UP-NCTS will accompany each participating jeepney driver to compare the emission performance of B2 and B5 biodiesel fuel blends.
Forbes said the mandated use of coco-biofuels will boost local consumption of coconut oil and increase farmers’ incomes. He added it will reduce dependence on imported fuel, protect public health and promote sustainable growth.
He estimates that raising the blend to 5% will create more than 37,000 jobs, boosting demand for workers on farms, at coconut milling plants, and at biofuel manufacturing companies.
Coconut farmers will also benefit from the PHP4.83 million (USD109,015) per year from the lien collected through the Social Amelioration and Welfare Program.
“As to the B5 blend, the visible cloud of black smoke consisting of carbon and sulfur particulates is reduced by as much as 80%,” Forbes said.
The passage of the Biofuels Act of 2006 mandating the blending of coconut methyl ester (CME) in all locally distributed diesel fuel aims to promote the country’s desire to reduce dependency on imported oil by making use of indigenous and abundant sources of energy, such as coconut oil. The Philippines is a key coconut producer and exporter, and in 2012 exported more than 850,000 tons of coconut oil.
In 2007, the Philippines implemented a mandatory 1% blend (B1) of coco biodiesel and increased that amount to 2% (B2) in 2009.
In 2013, following agriculture officials’ assurance that the local industry can supply enough coconut oil to power the transport sector, the NBB approved the mandatory biodiesel blend to 5% (B5).
(July 30, 2013)