news/updates
DoE issues new guidelines for Bioethanol Program
MANILA, 28 December 2006 -- Following the issuance of interim guidelines for the application and participation in the fuel bioethanol program in September 2006, the Department of Energy (DOE) recently issued another set of guidelines, this time for the effective implementation of the standard specification for anhydrous bioethanol fuel.
Department Circular No. 2006-11-0012 strictly specifies that only bioethanol conforming to the Philippine National Standard or PNS/DOE QS 007:2005 are qualified for the Fuel Bioethanol Program.
PNS/DOE QS 007:2005 which was promulgated by the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) last April 18, 2006 provides key parameters and requirements for fuel bioethanol that impact on vehicle emissions, fuel consumptions, and engine system durability and operability. These include minimum purity level of 99.3 percent for bioethanol and a minimum purity level of 96.9 percent for fuel bioethanol.
While the general qualities and properties of bioethanol and fuel bioethanol have already been established among the current participants in the bioethanol program prior to the formal PNS promulgation on April 18, 2006, the circular strictly specifies that the PNS color specification of dark violet for fuel bioethanol shall be mandatory effective January 1, 2007.
To date, the available E-gasoline in the market varies in color depending on the company and its color brand. However, beginning January 1, 2007, dark violet color for fuel bioethanol shall be mandatory primarily to differentiate the product from other gasoline blends and from ethanols used for beverages.
The color specification will also serve as a guide for the effective monitoring and implementation of the bioethanol program especially at this phase where bioethanol sources and related products are limited to importation.
Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said this product quality standard is vital to protect the interest of the stakeholders including the government and most especially consumers.
DC 2006-11-0012 also requires proper labeling of E-gasoline in all gasoline stations.
Beginning January 1, 2007, all oil industry players engaging in retailing fuel bioethanol-blended gasoline or E-gasoline in gasoline stations are required to label all E-Gasoline pumps with “This gasoline contains __% Bioethanol” and “Generally recommended for fuel-injection engines”.
Last September, the DOE issued interim guidelines for the application and participation in the fuel bioethanol program in preparation for a smooth transition to a nationwide legislated biofuels program under the Biofuels Act.
The guidelines strictly specify that only oil companies of good standing which are actively engaged in the business of retailing gasoline may apply for accreditation in the bioethanol program.
