Alternative Energy - Presidential Instructions Mandating Policy Development

The first 2 Presidential Instructions for 2006 have been issued and both deal with energy issues. The first deals with alternative fuel sources, specifically bio-fuels. The second deals with liquefied coal as an alternative energy source.

Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 2006 (Instruction 1) requires that the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs undertake all necessary steps in the coordinating of supply and utilization of bio-fuel. Instruction 1 also requires the Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources to confirm a supply and utilization of bio-fuel policy. It is expected that this policy will include a series of incentives and tariff concessions to facilitate rapid development of the bio-fuel sector. The Minister is also expected to establish quality control and standard measurement mechanisms to ensure the quality of bio-fuels made available.