Brazil moves towards approving increased biodiesel blend

The Brazilian special committee on national development has approved a senate bill outlining the plan to increase the biodiesel blend in the nation’s fuel supply.

The new bill mandates that 7% of biodiesel be blended into diesel fuel, and the amount is set to rise to 10% within three years.

Calls have been made to further increase the blend to 15% if tests with the newly-set blending levels bear positive results.

According to a senate summary, the bill would also require 20% biodiesel use for diesel-powered public transport vehicles in cities with more than 500,000 residents.

The special committee cited soya-based biodiesel’s environmental and economic benefits as their reasons for approving the measure.

Next the bill will be discussed by the Brazilian House of Representatives.