FEATURE

WWF Urges Public to Patronize Ethanol Fuels

Asserts That E5, E10 Safe to Use

As one of the environmental sector's most experienced solutions-providers, WWF asserts that embracing biofuels such as ethanol can help open up the automotive industry – and the economy in general – towards a cleaner and greener era.

Ethanol is a high-octane and water-free alcohol derived from sugarcane, corn and other locally-sourced crops. Blended in small amounts with regular gasoline (90% gasoline plus 10% ethanol makes up E10), it provides the transportation sector with a cheaper and cleaner fuel alternative - without the need for expensive car modifications.

Responding to recent claims that ethanol corrodes vehicle gas tanks, fuel injectors and carburettors, WWF asserts that all types of automotive gasoline have corrosive properties. Explains WWF Climate Change & Energy Programme Director Yeb Saño, "Ethanol in itself is non-corrosive - the real culprit is water, which can contaminate a gas tank. The ethanol in the gasoline mix then absorbs the water, which accumulates and occasionally causes corrosion."

Corrosion Inhibitors

Car manufacturers have addressed this by equipping newer vehicles with polymer, rubber neoprene or Teflon composites that are more durable and rust-resistant than earlier versions. Most - but not all - petroleum companies also offer fuels with added corrosion inhibitors, which retard corrosion and protect gas tanks. This blend is based on a treat rate - the optimal ratio for various fuels and engines.

The question quickly shifts to accountability: should companies be responsible for conducting research and tests to ensure that their products have the correct treat rate? Or does the duty fall to the government for implementation?

Accreditation Systems for Oil Producers and Distributors

The Department of Energy and key government agencies involved in biofuels development have already laid-out stringent standards and a working accreditation system for both upstream and downstream oil. Pursuant to the provisions of the Biofuels Act (Republic Act 9367), Joint Administrative Order 2008-1 lays down the guidelines governing the production of biofuel feedstock, the production of biofuels and blending plus distribution and sale. The guidelines mandate parties engaged in the commercial production and blending of biofuels to secure a Certificate of Accreditation from the DOE prior to production of fuel.

Rigorous standards must be met before a Certificate is awarded - including the need to secure a Certificate of Fuel Additive Registration (CFAR), submission to inspection of the production facility, on-site fuel sampling by the DOE, product compliance with the Philippine National Standards (PNS), and the implementation of a program of quality management system. Once issued, Certificates are valid for five years and the producer is required to submit monthly reports on production and sales inventory as well as product analysis reports in compliance with the PNS.

Biofuel distributors on the other hand, are mandated to secure a Certificate of Registration from the DOE before they can be involved in distribution of biofuels. The same guidelines require oil companies involved in the sale of blended fuel to source their ethanol or biodiesel only from DOE-accredited biofuel producers and DOE-registered biofuel distributors, which are also required to present a Certificate of Quality that accompanies their product upon delivery. The law and the guidelines provide for penalties for the crime of fuel adulteration, which includes the sale or even mere possession of biofuel blends that are not compliant with the PNS.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Key to Green Transportation

Unlike fossil fuels, ethanol is practically inexhaustible since crops such as sugarcane, corn and sorghum can constantly be grown and harvested in a sustainable manner. Locally-sourced ethanol even surpasses current DOE standards, with a purity rating of 99.8% - slightly exceeding the 99.3% benchmark.

WWF embraces biofuels and asserts that biofuels should contribute to the production of renewable energy and transport fuels - but should not be considered as a silver bullet for the transport sector. Major food production centers, forests, wetlands and priority conservation sites for example, must never be converted into ethanol-producing croplands.

Concludes Saño, "Long-term sustainability requires far more than embracing biofuels - mandatory fuel efficiency standards and a shift from roads to much-more sustainable rail networks are crucial to success."

"The worsening effects of climate change are upon us - in this crucial juncture in our nation's history, we have to take stock of what we have. This December in Copenhagen, world leaders will converge for the most important meeting in modern history to decide on the future of our world. This is a crucial time so we need to embrace solutions that work.”

The Philippine Biofuels Act of 2006 mandates that as of February 2009, all locally sold gasoline should contain at least 5% ethanol, to be increased to 10% by 2011.

For more information please contact:

Yeb Saño
Climate Change and Energy Programme Director, WWF-Philippines
920-7923/26/31, 0917-807-9089
nmsano@wwf.org.ph

Gregg Yan
Information, Education and Communications Officer, WWF-Philippines
920-7923/26/31
gyan@wwf.org.ph