FAQs about THE PHILIPPINES' C0C0-BI0DIESEL
(from the Department of Energy)

WHAT IS BIODIESEL?
Biodiesel is a renewable and biodegradable diesel fuel extracted from plant oil. A natural hydrocarbon with negligible sulfur content, it will substantially help in reducing emissions from diesel-fed engines. It is now commonly used in the United States, Canada, Thailand, and many countries in Europe.

THE PHILIPPINES' C0C0-BI0DIESEL
The Philippines has launched the use of biodiesel, particularly, Coconut Methyl Ester or CME. CME is derived from coconut oil and is more appropriately known as Coco-Biodiesel. Compared with other forms of biodiesels, the medium carbon chain of Coco-Biodiesel offers excellent LUBRICITY, SOLVENCY, and DETERGENCY. Studies show that the addition of Coco-Biodiesel results in better combustion, less pollution, and more engine power; the engines run smoothly & with longer maintenance intervals!

Because of these outstanding characteristics, Biodiesel is considered first-rate and highly adaptable.

WHY USE Coco-BIODIESEL?

Environmental & Health Benefits

Coco-Biodiesel…
· is renewable and biodegradable, being plant-based.
· lowers emission of nitrous oxide and sulfur oxide - the main contributors to smog.
· significantly reduces serious air pollutants such as black smoke and air toxics that cause lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, bronchitis, heart attack and stroke
· means less emission and cleaner air.

Economic Benefits to Vehicle Owners and Drivers

Coco-Biodiesel …
· cuts maintenance costs because of its superior lubricating and cleaning properties.
· promotes better, more efficient combustion and less engine vibration because of its higher cetane number and inherent oxygen content.
· boosts engine power and acceleration
· improves fuel economy by as much as 20%, which means you get more mileage and big savings per liter.

Economic Benefits to the Coconut Industry

Coco-Biodiesel…
· will provide and establish a long-term, sustainable alternative domestic market and as a result, will stabilize the domestic coconut production, resulting in more income price of copra.
· will enhance farm-based reintegration of opportunities.

Economic Benefits to the Country

Coco-Biodiesel …
· will spearhead the introduction of the ester industry in the Philippines -an industry that would create more jobs.
· will provide a potential high-value export product.
· will promote participation of the Philippines in the potentially huge biofuel industry.
· will enhance energy supply security through the use of indigenous resources, at the same time resulting in foreign exchange savings.
· will benefit 3.5 million coconut farmers and 20 million Filipinos dependent on the coconut industry.

What is CME?
CME is the acronym for Coconut Methyl Ester or Coco-Biodiesel. Biodiesel, on the other hand, is the international name for methyl ester when used as diesel fuel or enhancer. (CME is not the same as the coco-diesel used in the 70's. Coco-diesel pertains to the use of crude coconut oil. Unlike Coco-Biodiesel this crude coconut oil did not undergo esterification.)

The properties of Coco-Biodiesel result in more efficient combustion that translates to increased engine power, longer mileage, and less emission.

Is Coco-Biodiesel safe to use on my engine?
YES! Coco-Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine with little or no modification to the engine or fuel system. Also, blending Coco-Biodiesel actually improves the quality of the diesel fuel because of its properties like:

1. High lubricity, which protects your engine from wear.

2. Detergency, which cleans your fuel system.

3. Solvency, which dissolves and cleans you combustion chamber from carbon deposits.

How do I mix Coco-Biodiesel?
Simply add a 1% equivalent of Coco-Biodiesel to the fuel you are loading into your tank. For example, if you are loading 50 liters of diesel fuel, add 500 ml of Coco-Biodiesel. If you are refilling only 10 liters add only 100 ml of Coco-Biodiesel.

Why only 1%?
While the World Fuel Charter published by all automotive manufacturers worldwide allows blends of up to 5%, studies show that a 1% mix of Coco-Biodiesel is enough to significantly reduce emissions.

Won't the use of Coco-Biodiesel increase my spending on fuel?
Initially, it would appear that way. But think about this. Since you will gain more mileage per liter with the use of Coco-Biodiesel, your savings will amount to about P1 per additional kilometer traveled. In short, Coco-Biodiesel doubles the value of your fuel investment.

Where can I buy Coco-Biodiesel?
You can buy Coco-Biodiesel from distribution outlets and manufacturers/suppliers accredited by the Department of Energy (DOE). These DOE-Accredited outlets and suppliers sell Coco-Biodiesel that complies with Philippine National Standards (PNS 2020:2003). In addition, these manufacturers and suppliers have assured DOE of Coco-Biodiesel's continuous supply.

Is Coco-Biodiesel the solution to all fuel-related engine and emission problems of my vehicle?
Coco-Biodiesel is just one of the solutions to pollution and emission problems. To ensure optimum engine performance, a vehicle owner or driver should still carry out regular maintenance and practice good driving habits.

Is Coco-Biodiesel here to stay?
Coco-Biodiesel is a priority project of the Arroyo Administration. It is being implemented by DOE in collaboration with several government agencies: the Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science & Technology (DOST), Department of Transportation & Communications (DOTC), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), and Department of Finance (DOF). It is likewise supported by the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), Asian Institute of Petroleum Studies Inc. (AIPSI), and other academic and research institutions, transport groups, NGOs, and donor communities.

In addition, the critical step of instituting Coco-Biodiesel was taken by the President of the Republic of the Philippines by issuing Memorandum Circular No. 55 on February 9, 2004 "directing all departments, bureaus, offices, agencies and instrumentalities of the government, including government-owned and controlled corporations to incorporate the use of one percent (1%) by volume Coconut Methyl Ester in their diesel requirements."

With all the benefits of Coco-Biodiesel and with all the support that it is getting, we can be assured that it will be a sustainable and strategic approach in cleaning the air and energizing the economy.