Biomass Energy in the Philippines: From Waste to Power

Biomass energy in the Philippines is playing an increasingly significant role in the country’s renewable energy landscape. It is emerging as a viable solution as the nation grapples with energy security and environmental sustainability challenges.

Biomass accounts for almost 13% of the Philippines’ total energy consumption, contributing approximately 759 MW to the energy mix. This share has the potential to grow as the government agencies and private sectors harness the country’s vast biomass resources in pursuit of its renewable energy targets.

Understanding Biomass Energy as a Renewable Energy Source

Biomass energy comes from organic compounds like plant and animal waste. These materials are converted into usable forms of energy like electricity and heat through direct combustion, gasification and anaerobic digestion. Direct combustion is the most common process and relies on burning biomass for heat, which creates steam that turns a turbine and generates electricity.

Even though burning biomass releases carbon dioxide, it is considered a zero-emission energy source. The quantity of carbon released during combustion is equivalent to the amount absorbed through photosynthesis when growing.

Globally, biomass energy is one of the most sustainable energy sources and plays a crucial role in the renewable energy mix. It is the world’s largest source of renewable energy, accounting for 55% of total renewable energy generation and 6% of the world’s primary energy supply – five times more than solar and wind energy combined.

The Biomass Industry in the Philippines

The biomass industry in the Philippines has evolved over the last decade. Initially, biomass use was limited to traditional practices like cooking and heating in rural areas. However, with advancements in technology and growing environmental concerns, biomass has become a focus for large-scale power generation.

Key milestones include the implementation of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, which provided financial incentives and policy mechanisms to encourage investment in renewable energy, including biomass energy in the Philippines. The country’s Department of Energy (DOE) has stated its goal is to add at least an additional 277 MW of biomass capacity by 2030. As of 2023, the DOE has approved 18 biomass projects totalling over 182 MW in potential capacity.

Sources of Biomass Energy in the Philippines

The Philippines is rich in biomass resources due to its vast agricultural and forestry sectors, providing an abundant supply.

Agricultural Residues: Agriculture’s Role in Biomass Power Generation

Agricultural waste from rice husks, coconut shells, sugarcane bagasse and corn cobs are abundant. For instance, the country produces about 3.96 million tonnes of rice husks annually, and agriculture accounts for 8.9% of the country’s GDP.

Additionally, biomass power producers can partner with local farmers, purchasing agricultural residues that would otherwise go to waste. This collaboration provides farmers with additional income streams.

Forestry Byproducts

Wood chips, sawdust and other residues from the forestry industry are also utilised. Fuelwood and forestry byproducts are currently the largest source of biomass fuel in the Philippines, accounting for over 57% of biomass input.

Dedicated Energy Crops

Crops like sorghum and giant Napier grass are cultivated specifically for energy production. While they currently comprise a small share of biomass feedstock, they are fast-growing and have high biomass yields, making them ideal for sustainable energy generation.

Notable Biomass Power Plants in the Philippines

Samal Biomass Power Plant and San Jose Biomass Power Plant

Both of these biomass power plants primarily utilise agricultural waste from local farmers. The Samal Biomass Power Plant in Bataan has a capacity of 12.5 MW and uses rice husks to offset 38,652 tonnes of CO₂ that would otherwise result from fossil fuel energy production. Similarly, the San Jose Biomass Power Plant has a 24 MW capacity.

San Carlos BioPower and Kabankalan Biomass Power Plant

San Carlos BioPower, located in Negros Occidental, is a 20 MW facility that uses sugarcane residues. It produces power for 212,000 local residents. The Kabankalan Biomass Power Plant, also in Negros Occidental, adds another 46 MW with byproducts from a local sugar mill.

Benefits of Embracing Biomass Energy for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Embracing biomass energy energy in the Philippines offers substantial environmental, economic and social benefits for the Philippines. Environmentally, biomass energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels. This is crucial to the country’s National Determined Contribution of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030, along with supporting other renewable energy options like geothermal and hydropower.

Economically, the biomass sector stimulates rural development by creating jobs in farming, collection, processing and power generation. It is estimated that one job is created for every megawatt of biomass energy produced, potentially adding hundreds of jobs nationwide. Additionally, biomass energy enhances energy security by utilising local resources, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and stabilising energy prices.

Socially, biomass projects often involve partnerships with local communities, leading to improved livelihoods through additional income sources from selling agricultural residues.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

The biomass energy sector in the Philippines is poised to grow yet faces challenges. First, the country’s archipelagic nature increases the difficulty and cost of transporting bulky biomass feedstocks, which creates an issue of ensuring feedstock for biomass production. Additionally, the private sector notes that the country’s lengthy regulatory process and lack of subsidies and financial incentives make it challenging to scale the industry.

However, these challenges also present opportunities for renewable energy leaders to invest in the biomass industry, which would provide the country with economic, environmental and social advantages. Biomass energy in the Philippines is essential for meeting energy needs and ensuring a sustainable future. The government must support the private sector in increasing its biomass capacity to meet the country’s decarbonisation goals.