Biomass Energy: An Underrated Renewable Energy Source in the Philippines
This article explores the potential of biomass energy as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels in the Philippines and the challenges and opportunities it presents.
PHOTO: Matthew Henry on Unsplash
As the world struggles with the impacts of climate change caused by fossil fuels, there has been increased interest in alternative and renewable energy sources. One promising renewable energy source is biomass energy, which is seen as an underrated source of energy in the Philippines.
Introduction to Biomass Energy
Biomass energy is a type of renewable energy derived from organic material, such as plant, animal, or other organic matter. Biomass energy sources include wood, agricultural residues, forestry waste, and municipal solid waste.
It can be converted into electricity, heat, or fuel through various processes such as combustion, gasification, or fermentation. Likewise, this is considered as a carbon-neutral form of energy since the carbon dioxide emitted during its combustion is offset by the carbon dioxide absorbed by the plants during their growth.
It offers a renewable alternative to fossil fuels, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and provides economic benefits. In the Philippines, where energy consumption is on the rise, exploring the potential of biomass energy can significantly impact the nation's energy landscape.
The Philippines' Energy Landscape
The Philippines' current energy sources are dominated by fossil fuels, with coal, natural gas, and petroleum accounting for approximately 64.5% of the total energy generation. The remaining 35.5% comes from renewable energy sources such as hydropower, geothermal, wind, and solar.
Renewable energy plays a crucial role in the Philippines, contributing to sustainable living and reducing the nation's carbon footprint. Solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy have gained traction in recent years, but biomass energy remains relatively underutilized.
Many people are now having access to their own solar panels for energy efficiency but it's still not accessible to everyone. That goes the same with biomass energy.
Biomass Energy Potential in the Philippines
The country is endowed with abundant biomass resources, such as agricultural residue, forestry waste, and municipal solid waste. The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that the Philippines have a biomass potential of more than 200 MW, which contributes to nearly 30 percent of the energy needed to power the lives of more than 100 million Filipinos.
To put this in perspective, 1 megawatt can power up to about 1,000 homes, so 200 megawatts would power up to 200,000 homes. This amount of electricity from biomass could cover nearly 30 percent of the energy needs for the entire population of the Philippines, which is more than 100 million people.
This suggests a significant potential for using these natural waste materials to generate a substantial amount of the electricity needed in the country, helping to provide power in a more environmentally friendly way.
Samal Biomass Power Plant and San Jose Biomass Power Plant
There have been successful biomass energy projects in the Philippines, such as the 12.5 MW Samal Biomass Power Plant in Bataan and the 24 MW San Jose Biomass Power Plant, which generate electricity from rice husks.
As for Samal Biomass Power Plant, although the exact areas served by this plant are not explicitly mentioned, the establishment of this plant, situated on a 6-hectare property in Bagac, Bataan, is aimed at providing economical sources of energy and job opportunities to the people of Bataan.
The power plant is also expected to bring economic benefits to the host town and its surrounding areas through increased tax income and employment opportunities, particularly for local farmers who will be involved in managing a dedicated plantation for sourcing the plant's primary feedstock, giant napier grass.
San Carlos BioPower and Kabankalan Biomass Power Plant
The San Carlos BioPower utilizes waste from sugar cane harvesting and processing and various herbaceous and ligneous energy crops. Another example is the 46 MW Kabankalan Biomass Power Plant in Negros Oriental which uses bagasse as a fuel source.
The San Carlos BioPower in the Philippines harnesses waste from sugar cane harvesting and processing along with various crops to generate electricity. This biomass power station, with a generating capacity of 20 megawatts, is capable of providing electricity to approximately 212,000 people in both urban and rural areas on the island of Negros.
On the other hand, the 46 MW Kabankalan Biomass Power Plant in Negros Oriental utilizes bagasse, a byproduct from sugar cane, as fuel to generate electricity. The power generated from this plant is allocated in two ways: 23 MW is supplied to the national grid under a 25-year contract with the Philippines' Department of Energy, while the remaining power is used by Universal Robina Corporation's sugar mill.
The exact areas or number of households served by this power plant are not specified, but the contribution to the national grid suggests a broader distribution of electricity generated from this plant, potentially benefiting nearby communities in Negros Oriental.
Benefits of Embracing Biomass Energy for Sustainable Lifestyles
The utilization of biomass energy as a renewable energy source in the Philippines would have tangible benefits for the environment, economy, and society. From an environmental standpoint, biomass energy would reduce carbon emissions compared to fossil fuel combustion, contributing to climate change mitigation.
It will also lower the average electricity price, and you can have your own electricity generation that you can even sell to other people. Now, you won't have to depend on Meralco as your primary energy source.
Additionally, biomass energy can help reduce waste and pollution by utilizing biomass waste, such as agricultural residues and municipal solid waste. The Philippines can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and enhance sustainable living by embracing biomass energy.
From a social perspective, promoting biomass energy would help promote energy independence and reduce reliance on non-renewable energies. Moreover, biomass energy reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, leading to energy savings and cost stability in the long run.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While biomass energy presents a promising alternative to fossil fuels in the Philippines, several challenges must be addressed to realize its potential. These significant challenges include lack of policy incentives and regulatory frameworks as well as lack of funding and technical expertise.
To overcome these challenges, the government should implement policies that will incentivize the development of biomass projects and provide adequate funding and technical support to developers. This support can attract private investments and facilitate the deployment of biomass projects.
Continued investment in research and development is essential to improve biomass conversion technologies, optimize efficiency, and reduce costs. Collaborations between academic institutions, private sectors, and government agencies can accelerate technological advancements.
Claim the Power of Poop for Southeast Asia
Biomass energy offers a promising alternative to fossil fuels in the Philippines, given the abundance of biomass resources in the country. The use of biomass energy presents economic, environmental, and social benefits that can promote sustainable living and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Nevertheless, to unlock its full potential, there is a need for the government to provide incentives, funding, and technical expertise to developers. Just like how solar energy is gaining ground, we should also pay attention to biomass as a viable source of renewable energy.
Let us unite to promote renewable energy, encourage sustainable lifestyle choices, and practice energy conservation to secure a sustainable future for the Philippines and the world.
For further information on how BillionBricks can benefit your community, get in touch with us at https://billionbricks.org/contact-us-ph or visit billionbricks.org.
If you're interested in further exploration of renewable energy sources, be sure to check out another article that provides additional insights. Read: Harnessing the Power of Nature: Rise of Wind Energy in the Philippines
Resources:
International Trade Administration. Philippines-Energy. Retrieved from: https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/philippines-energy-0
Department of Energy. Retrieved from: https://www.doe.gov.ph/
ASEAN Briefing. Biomass Industry in the Philippines. Retrieved from: https://www.aseanbriefing.cohttps://www.power-technology.com/marketdata/power-plant-profile-samal-biomass-power-plant-philippines/?cf-view/news/biomass-industry-philippines/
Global Data. Power plant profile: Samal Biomass Power Plant, Philippines. Retrieved from: https://www.power-technology.com/marketdata/power-plant-profile-samal-biomass-power-plant-philippines/?cf-view
Global Data. Power plant profile: San Jose Biomass Power Plant, Philippines. Retrieved from: https://www.power-technology.com/data-insights/power-plant-profile-san-jose-biomass-power-plant-philippines/
Thomas Lloyd. San Carlos BioPower. Retrieved from:https://www.thomas-lloyd.com/en/project/san-carlos-biopower
Global Data. Kabankalan Biomass Power Plant, Philippines. Retrieved from: https://www.power-technology.com/marketdata/kabankalan-biomass-power-plant-philippines/
Union of Concerned Scientists. Benefits of Renewable Energy Use. Retrieved from: https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/benefits-renewable-energy-use
