DOE Sets New Standard for Diesel

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QUALITY DIESEL FOR CONSUMERS: Spearheaded by the DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB), oil industry stakeholders held the signing ceremony of the Philippine National Standard (PNS)/DOE Quality Standard (QS):004:2017 on coco-methyl ester (CME)-blended automotive diesel oil specification last 7 November at the Energy Center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. In photo are the DOE-OIMB team, Technical Committee on Petroleum Products & Additives (TCPPA) members from petroleum manufacturers and marketers, car and motorcycle manufacturers, NGOs, consumers, academe, government agencies and invited technical experts.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi announced Friday (17 November) that the Department of Energy (DOE) has established an upgraded standard for automotive diesel oil to further improve fuel quality and lessen its impact on the environment.

“The new Philippine standards for automotive diesel oil is in line with our mandate to implement programs and policies that will complement and comply with existing international and environmental standards for fuel,” Cusi said.

He stressed that the task of ensuring fuel quality is equally important alongside the government’s mission of maintaining stable supply of oil in the country.

Although spearheaded by the DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB), oil industry stakeholders contributed in the effort by reviewing and approving the Philippine National Standard (PNS)/DOE Quality Standard (QS):004:2017 on coco-methyl ester (CME)-blended automotive diesel oil specification

To formally signify the adoption of the new fuel quality standards, a signing ceremony was held last 7 November at the Energy Center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The DOE-OIMB team, Technical Committee on Petroleum Products & Additives (TCPPA) members from petroleum manufacturers and marketers, car and motorcycle manufacturers, NGO’s, consumers, academe, government agencies and invited technical experts participated in the event.

The new PNS for automotive diesel oil contains revised technical provisions to upgrade fuel quality requirement, such as reduced sulfur content limit in compliance with Euro-4 emission standard, and test methods for more accurate evaluation of fuel quality.

It is separate and distinct from the standards of the Industrial Diesel Oils, which has distinct standard designation, specifically PNS/DOE QS 013:2017.

“The primary impact of the new PNS for diesel strengthens the government’s consistent and continuing program towards the use of cleaner fuels and promotion of indigenous and sustainable energy resources with the end view of reducing dependence on imported oil,” Cusi said.

The new PNS for automotive diesel oil also supports the country’s commitment in the international community to reduce carbon emissions through smarter and more efficient use of automotive fuel for transport.

DOE, EU to Support Sustainable Energy in Rural Areas

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ADDRESSING ACCESS TO SUSTAINABLE POWER AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY: The 3rd ASEP Steering Committee Meeting was held last 15 November at the DOE-Audio Visual Room in Taguig City. Representing the DOE were (seated L-R) Dir. Angelina Manga-Administrative Services, Dir. Araceli Soluta-Financial Services, Usec. Felix William Fuentebella, (standing L-R) Dir. Mylene Capongcol-Renewable Energy Management Bureau (REMB), Arthus Tenazas-Legal Services, Dir. Mario Marasigan-Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (EPIMB), Dir. Jesus Tamang-Energy Utilization and Management Bureau and DOF officials, together with counterpart representatives of the EU Delegation were (seated R-L) Dir. Danielle Marie Rieza Culangen-Legal Services, Josephine Tioseco-Non-Key Expert Energy Efficiency, Mr. Enrico Strampelli-Head Development Section, discussed the synchronization of work plans towards the total rural electrification vision of the government using sustainable energy and energy efficiency to empower the Filipinos.

The government will exert greater efforts to provide sustainable energy to rural communities through its ongoing partnership with the European Union's Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (ASEP), the Department of Energy (DOE) said today.

During the 3rd ASEP Steering Committee Meeting held at the DOE AVR room last 15 November, Energy Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella said “Energy Sec. Alfonso G. Cusi requires that ASEP work plans should be synchronized with the Philippine Energy Plan and the sectoral roadmaps.”

“We have to focus on energy efficiency and capacity building to further empower our people, especially those living in the rural communities,” Fuentebella emphasized.

A 6-month progress report covering April-September 2017 submitted to the DOE enumerated work programs already met under the subcomponents of rural electrification, energy efficiency and capacity development programs.

As to rural electrification, completed and undergoing final review by the DOE were: the policies for Missionary Electrification Subsidy Rationalization, Streamlining and Harmonizing Power Contracting Process for Off-Grid and its Implementing Rules and Regulations together with the Enhancing Policy and Regulations to Attract Off-Grid Investments,

For energy efficiency, completed while the preparation of recommendations on Product Particular Requirements (PPRs) for TVs, washing machines and electric fans will continue were: the program for appliance standards and labeling, including the development of PPRs for LED lamps.

Fuentebella said “The DOE-ASEP cooperation initiated a market survey for LED lamps and the design of energy labels for LED, aircon and refrigerators.”

“We are also working with EU-ASEP in drafting a national strategy for energy efficiency in the power sector, strengthening the Government Energy Management Program through building energy performance standards and benchmarking, including reviewing the Energy Efficiency Bill for finalization,” the Energy Official added.

On the capacity development subcomponent, Fuentebella clarified that there will be workshops for the implementation in 2017 until mid-2018 with high-level study abroad, among others.

All of these efforts according to Fuentebella will contribute to fulfilling the three key results areas for the program:
         

1. Strengthening the capacity of energy sector stakeholders to pursue a pro-poor sustainable energy policy and institutional reforms;

2. Facilitating investments aimed at increasing access to renewable energy in rural, remote and high-poverty areas, especially in Mindanao; and

3. Promoting pro-poor and disaster-resilient innovative energy solutions for job creation and wider access, such as solar or hydropower pumps, solar lanterns and solar dyers.

The ASEP is a joint undertaking of the DOE and the EU to promote total electrification, energy security, efficiency and sustainability in the Philippines.

“The DOE remains committed to empowering all Filipinos, especially those who are marginalized and underprivileged, through sustainable and affordable energy options,” Fuentebella concluded.

Travelling Worry Free to Other Countries

 Wazzup Pilipinas!

Here's a tip - when visiting a new place, avoid the heavily beaten track, i.e. tourist spots.

I am a proud Pinoy and have traveled all over the Philippines, plus 46 other countries in Europe, North America, Asia, including Australia - many of them I have visited more than once. I have chatted with a local in Zaragoza (north of Spain) in Spanish about the history of his town.