BRASÍLIA: Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff signed on Wednesday a law increasing from 7% to 8% the mandatory share of biodiesel in regular diesel, with effect from April 2017. The new percentage will boost domestic biodiesel production, reduce the need for imports of diesel and promote family farming as well as the agribusiness.
Under the 613/2015 law, as it is named, the mandatory share is also seen to gradually increase to 9% in 2018 and 10% by 2019. The law also permits the National Council for Energy Policies (CNPE) to increase the biodiesel share to 15%, after a period of trials and tests with motors and engines.
The law additionally allows for the share to exceed the mandatory minimum percentage. For example, the country could have a 10% share prior to 2019, if the validation tests of this blend are completed successfully by the CNPE.
