RAYONG : Local field tests will start soon on biodiesel B10, a blend of 10% methyl ester with 90% diesel fuel, according to an Energy Ministry official. PTT Plc and the ministry's Department of Energy Business are carrying out the tests, which are expected to finish next year. The goal is to widen the choice of fuels available to motorists and increase the share of alternative fuels in the country's overall energy use.
The ministry expects biodiesel B5 to replace all existing B2 in the domestic market by 2011, but B10 use is not expected to be universal until 2022.
The ministry introduced B5 in 2007 and manufacturers of diesel-engine cars last month agreed to accredit the fuel.
''We are preparing well in advance to have a guarantee for the public about the quality of B10 before mandatory use in 2022,'' said the official.
The national renewable energy plan projects biodiesel use will reach 4.5 million litres per day, replacing 10% of existing diesel, by 2022.
Ensuring the availability of sufficient raw materials for biodiesel is a key part of the planning process.
''We are in the preparatory stage before the supply of crude palm oil will be enough for the transport sector,'' said the official. ''Raw palm now is slightly in surplus in the food sector.''
Thailand has a total demand for palm-based methyl ester of 1.8 million litres per day, out of overall methyl ester capacity of 4.4 million litres daily.
Biodiesel B5 is rapidly gaining acceptance, according to statistics from the department. Demand for B5 doubled year-on-year in August to 22.3 million litres per day. However, B2 consumption dropped 24% to 23.4 million litres.
Demand for ethanol-blended petrol (gasohol) rose 16.2% to 11.5 million litres per day in August. Gasohol demand has been increasing steadily since 2006, helped by subsidies of pump prices by the state Oil Fund.
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment