CAQM Grants Temporary Exemption for Diesel Gensets Ahead of

The Air Quality Management Commission (AQMC) has recently released a significant announcement regarding diesel generators that have not yet transitioned to cleaner fuels during Gradually Response Action Plan restrictions, (GRAP). This update has been provided just two days prior to the scheduled implementation of GRAP.

CAQM's decision to grant this exemption is a direct response to the concerns and opposition voiced by many Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs) in the National Capital Region (NCR). These RWAs have raised valid concerns and expressed their disagreement with the initial decision to impose a complete ban on diesel generators in this year's GRAP. It is important to note that numerous residential communities and facilities have faced various challenges when transitioning to gas generators. The initial proposal put forth by CAQM highlighted several significant issues, including technical and financial limitations, the lack of a certified body to retrofit emissions control devices (RECDs) to industrial diesel generator sets with a capacity of up to 800 kW, and difficulties in accessing a reliable gas supply. Additionally, there have been delays in obtaining pipelined natural gas (PNG) supply and connections from gas distribution agencies. CAQM has been actively dedicated to addressing air quality concerns resulting from the extensive use of diesel generators. Since February 2022, the Commission has issued a series of guidelines and recommendations aimed at effectively managing emissions from diesel generating sets.

This effort has resulted in the release of Revised Directive No. 73 on June 2, 2023, which is planned to take effect on October 1, 2023. The current discussion regarding the utilization of diesel generators not only relates to the utilities' reluctance to adopt dual-fuel options but also emphasizes the importance of reliable electricity supply in urban areas, particularly in the streets across NCR, where power outages are frequent. Numerous individuals have expressed concerns regarding the practicality of regulating generator usage when the power grid fails to guarantee uninterrupted electricity.

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In order to address these concerns and ensure the uninterrupted provision of essential emergency services, CAQM has made the decision to permit the use of diesel-generating sets without emissions control equipment for emergency purposes in the NCR until just before December 31, 2023. It is important to note that this waiver is contingent upon strict adherence to the emissions controls outlined in the initial proposal.

Furthermore, the updated schedule for the operation of diesel-generating sets, as outlined in Directive No. 73 dated June 2, 2023, is anticipated to be implemented on October 1, 2023. Despite this modification, the CAQM has granted a special exemption until December 31, 2023, exclusively for diesel-generating sets of all power capacities that are solely utilized for emergency services in the NCR. This exemption encompasses elevators, medical services, railways, metros, airports, wastewater treatment plants, water pumping stations, national security projects, telecommunications, and IT/data services.
It is highly recommended that appropriate emission control mechanisms be implemented for diesel-generating sets used in these emergency services by December 31, 2023, to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations and prevent any potential legal consequences.