QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Department of Energy (DOE) said that the implementation on October 1, 2024 of the three percent mandatory coconut methyl ester (CME) blend in diesel will improve engine mileage, offset potential oil price hikes, support local coconut farmers, and reduce carbon dioxide emission.
Interviewed during the October 1 episode of the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on PTV 4, DOE’s Energy Resource Development and Oil Management Usec. Alessandro Sales said that the increase of CME to three percent is part of the implementation of the 2008 renewable energy law.
“We announced in May the implementation of the three percent CME blend increase by October 1 this year in order to give time to oil refineries to adjust. Prior to this, the mandatory biodiesel blend was at two percent,” Usec. Sales said.
The purpose of the gradual increase of the CME mix is to promote economic growth, foster environmental stewardship, and support cleaner energy use.
Sales cited a DOE study showing that using biofuel will improve diesel engine’s performance and increase mileage.
Also, with just one percent increase in CME blend, the energy department estimates that consumers can save about P0.50 per liter, based on the average diesel pump price of P54.70 during the week of September 24 to 30.
Further, he said that the DOE’s target is to implement four percent CME mix by 2025, and five percent by October 1, 2026.
“At five percent blend, engine mileage is expected to increase by 10 percent,” Sales said.
“This increase in the CME blend is expected to benefit coconut farmers, biodiesel producers, and other stakeholders in the coconut industry,” he added.
Another benefit from increasing the CME mix is the reduction in carbon dioxide emission.
Based on DOE’s study, Sales said, at one percent bio-mix, carbon emission will be reduced by 0.65%; and at three percent, carbon emission will drop by two percent. (PIA DMD)
