The B20 programme involves the blending of 20 per cent palm methyl ester (PME) with 80 per cent fossil fuel diesel.
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: With the aggressive support from government agencies in implementing higher blends of biodiesel usage, the Malaysian Biodiesel Association (MBA), hopes the next B20 programme in the transport sector can be introduced by 2017.
President U.R Unnithan said the move was in line with Malaysia’s commitment to increase the usage of palm oil in biodiesel, which will much benefit the economy in terms of energy security and price support for crude palm oil (CPO).
The B20 programme involves the blending of 20 per cent palm methyl ester (PME) with 80 per cent fossil fuel diesel.
“By this year, we will see the implementation of the B10 (10 pct PME, 90 pct diesel) whereby, the higher consumption of palm biodiesel at 1.2 million tonnes annually, is anticipated to help reduce palm oil stock by 600,000 tonnes.
“Previously, both the B5 (5 pct PME, 95 pct diesel) and B7 (7pct PME, 93 pct diesel) programmes introduced in June 2011 and November 2014 respectively, were rolled out smoothly nationwide,” he added.
Unnithan told a press conference this during the recent two-day expedition to Cameron Highlands using the B10 and beyond organised by the MBA.
The expedition involved 13 diesel vehicles of seven different brands and models lined up by MBA member companies and stakeholders, travelling in excess of 600 km cumulatively, using diesel blended with 10 per cent palm biodiesel or B10, B20, B50 and B100.
Unnithan said the expedition was aimed at creating awareness among all stakeholders of the biodiesel programme in the country, as well as consumers at large, as the clean fuel can reduce greenhouse gas emission.
“Most MBA members view the majority of the public as lacking information on biodiesel and have agreed to intensify the campaign to communicate to them the programme’s benefits.
“Until today, there are those who remain unaware that they are driving vehicles with B5 or B7 usage,” he added.
Established in 2008, the MBA represents the interests of the biodiesel industry in Malaysia, and has a membership of 20 companies in the Peninsular, Sabah and Sarawak. — Bernama