The government's policies and programs on alternative energy are geared towards reducing the country's dependence on price-volatile oil imports and diversifying from conventional fuels towards indigenous renewable and environment-friendly energy resources. The development of other feedstocks for biodiesel and bioethanol (i.e., jatropha) is also encouraged through research and commercial production. It is important to develop alternative energy sources, especially indigenous and renewable forms, with an end view of providing security of supply as well as realizing savings from importation.
a. Implement higher biofuels blend from B2 to B5 to diesel, and E10 to all gasoline and corresponding standards in phases subject to availability of supply20
The National Biofuels Board (NBB) is set to recommend the levels of biofuel blends based on supply availability, price and quality of biodiesel, including blending infrastructure and logistics.
b. Conduct RD for other nonfood feedstock in coordination with concerned agencies, academe & research institutions
The government will broaden the coverage of the Biofuels Program to identify other feedstocks. Techno-economic studies on palm and algae as potential biodiesel feedstocks will be pursued, while cellulosic technologies will be used to produce bioethanol.
The academe and other research institutions, which are among the partners in research and study by the DOE, shall be encouraged to continue their undertakings on nonfood feedstock R&D activities.
c. Continuously promote the use of alternative fuels (i.e compressed natural gas, auto liquefied petroleum gas) as well as other emerging energy technologies such as electric vehicles in the transport sector
The promotion of natural gas use in industrial, commercial, residential and agricultural sectors will continue to be encouraged. The conversion of existing and decommissioned power plants to natural gas shall be pursued. Active interaction with the downstream energy sector shall be prioritized through gas-to-market projects. The use of CNG in vehicles will also be encouraged.
Given the benefits of CNG and LPG over fossil fuels, the DOE will also renew its efforts to promote the former in the transport sector. The DOE will facilitate the required policy support as well as the availability of critical supply infrastructure and facilities. The infrastructure of major gas pipeline networks needs to be strengthened and expanded to reach commercial establishments and households.
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20 B2: 2% bio-diesel (coco-methyl ester [CME]) blend; B5: 5% bio-diesel (CME)blend; E10: 10% bio-ethanol Congress for the passage of the Natural Gas Bill. With regard to auto-LPG conversion, the DOE will conduct technology validation for dual fuel jeepneys and other motorized diesel/gas engines and conduct capability building for regulators and implementers to develop available manpower expertise. Studies will be conducted to determine the viability of expanding the use of auto-LPG to other types of engines, together with studies on the necessary safety standards.