Biodiesel from Coconuts

Fuel from coconut? Now, why did it take them this long to even consider this? Haven’t the locals been using coconut oil for lamps and other small energy equipments? Biodiesel from coconut is a Philippine initiative and its research and study for fuel application had been conducted by the Asian Institute of Petroleum Studies (AIPSI) with the support of leading coconut methyl ester manufacturers in the Philippines — Chemrez Inc. and Senbel Fine Chemicals Inc.

It was initially undertaken to provide a long-term, high volume, and sustainable alternative domestic market for coconut oil. To ensure its acceptance, AIPSI funded the first laboratory test conducted in the United States in 2001. The excellent results became the foundation that led to the development of cocodiesel in the country.

Chemrez a Filipino-owned company based in Libis, Quezon City, has begun producing fuels extracted from coconut. According to Chemrez president, Leon Lao, the company now has a capacity to produce 60 million liters a year to cover local demand and even export to other countries. The Philippines is one of the worlds biggest producers of coconut and the many products derived from it. One cannot disagree with Lao when he says that biodiesel extracted from coconut which is cheaper compared to biofuels extracted from grape seeds or corn.

With the issue of global warming on top of the international agenda, the development of biofuels and other “clean” alternative energy sources other than fossil fuels such as oil has come to the forefront. Lao said that the use of biodiesel will help reduce air pollution with lesser smoke emission from vehicles using biofuels.

Chemrez has invested P650-million to construct a biodiesel plant in Quezon City and the firm has allocated P350 million for the acquisition of raw materials and operating expenses. Chemrez wants to increase the production of biodiesel in the coming years to be able to export to France, Germany, The Netherlands and Italy.

The Philippines Senate has approved a biofuels bill that will encourage the research on and production of biofuels.

Chemrez is among the young new and pioneering companies to go headlong into this new industry. Lao says that with the Senate approval of the biofuels bill, the use of biodiesel is expected to increase and help the country save money from the importation of crude oil. With biofuels, the Philippines – a largely agricultural country rich in natural and biological resources – can save money on energy and go green.

[2007]