DOE issues circular on biofuel standards

To ensure that only good quality biofuel products are distributed in the market, the Department of Energy (DOE) has released a circular implementing strict standards for biodiesel and other biofuels.

The circular will also be consistent with the DOE’s effort to prepare for  the implementation of the higher biofuels blends by 2009.

“Starting on the effectivity of the department circular, only coco-methyl ester conforming to Philippine National Standards/Energy Department QS 002:2007 shall be manufactured, sold, offered for sale, dispensed or introduced into commerce as biodiesel in the Philippines,” the circular said.

It noted that oil companies will be responsible in requiring its supplier to provide “quality certification” for every product delivery made prior to blending with base diesel.

The Biofuels Act of 2006 mandates the use of biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol to reduce dependence on imported fuels with “due regard to the protection of public health, the environment and natural ecosystems.”

“To ensure the integrity of the products for retail, the retail operator shall adhere to good housekeeping protocol particularly with regard to handling, storage and dispensing of biofuels blends. Correspondingly, the oil companies shall ensure that their retail outlets and other customers are properly trained and equipped to handle, store and dispense biofuels,” the circular said.

The biofuels law mandates an increase in the biodiesel blend to two percent from one percent and five percent ethanol blend starting next year.

The circular added that only fatty acid methyl ester blended diesel conforming to QS 004:2007 shall qualify under the National Biofuels Program of the government.

At the same time, the Energy Department said only qualified entities will be allowed to import unblended or base diesel for their own use or commercial purpose.

To qualify, they will have to get certification from the Energy Department that they have the capability and capacity to blend imported unblended diesel with the required biofuel component. – Donnabelle Gatdula