MANILA, (PIA) — The Department of Energy (DOE) has reported a remarkable reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, totaling 7,433 kilotons of carbon dioxide equivalent, based on sales data from accredited local biofuels producers from April 2007 to September 2024.
This achievement, according to DOE, highlights the effectiveness of biofuels in cutting down GHG emissions.
Besides their environmental and health benefits, the DOE pointed out that biofuels have a strong positive effect on the economy.
As of 2023, the local biofuels industry has produced 3,260 jobs, aiding rural employment and income.
Those working in these green jobs are eligible for benefits from the Department of Labor and Employment’s Social Amelioration and Welfare Program, which offers death and maternity benefits, livelihood assistance, training support, social protection, emergency help, and funding for socio-economic initiatives.
Now, the DOE is ramping up its monitoring activities one month after the biodiesel blend increase. They are enhancing their monitoring to ensure that the 3% coconut methyl ester (CME) blend is included in all diesel fuel sold throughout the country.
Undersecretary Alessandro O. Sales, who supervises the Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB), emphasized the Department’s goal to ensure an easy transition to a higher biodiesel blend.
“Oil companies have been given ample time to make this adjustment, and the OIMB will now conduct inspections at bulk depots to enforce compliance. Timely action at the depot level is crucial to maintaining an up-to-date and efficient fuel distribution chain,” Undersecretary Sales added.
The OIMB will start inspecting gasoline stations in the next few weeks. The DOE has cautioned that not adhering to the 3% biofuels blend will lead to a penalty of P200,000.
Non-compliance is considered adulteration. Also, possessing a biofuels blend that does not meet the Philippine National Standards (PNS) is seen as adulteration. Repeat offenders will face a fine of P300,000 and could have their accreditation or registration revoked.
According to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Carbon Emission Calculator, using a 3 percent CME blend could save around 300 million liters of pure diesel every year.
This change would result in a 1.11 percent reduction in carbon emissions, amounting to about 298.2 kilotons of carbon dioxide. Such a reduction is vital for the country to fulfil its climate change goals.
With the increased CME blend, demand is expected to grow for coconut farmers, biodiesel producers, and other participants in the coconut industry. The DOE estimates that an additional 900 million coconuts will be required to produce the extra CME to meet the mandated blend percentages, resulting in about 100 to 120 million liters of extra CME supply.
Using diesel with a higher CME blend can help consumers save money and improve fuel efficiency.
On-road tests with a 5% CME blend indicated a 10% increase in mileage, roughly adding 1 kilometer per liter. So, a vehicle that normally gets 10 kilometers per liter on pure diesel will achieve 11 kilometers with the 5% CME blend. This extra kilometer can lead to savings of about P5.00 per liter, based on the average price of P54.70 per liter from September 24 to 30, 2024.
The increase in the biofuel blend will take place in phases. Starting on October 1, 2024, all diesel fuel will include a 3% CME blend. This will increase to 4 percent by October 1, 2025, and then to 5 % by October 1, 2026.
Some experts said biodiesel not only helps the environment, but it also burns cleaner than regular diesel.
They said it releases less harmful stuff like soot and sulfur dioxide. This can, however, improve air quality and help people breathe better, leading to better health. (JLN/PIA-NCR)
