The Philippines now has its first and only certified biomass production facility to produce eco-friendly pellets from agricultural waste.
Located in Quezon Province, Berde Kaway marks a significant step forward in the country’s transition to sustainable energy solutions.
“This certification sets a new standard for renewable energy in the country. The facility currently produces 600 tons per month, with plans to expand to 250,000 tons per year by 2027,” Berde Kaway CEO Mark Edmonds said in an email.
Biomass pellet production at Berde Kaway begins with the collection of agricultural waste. Rice husks, coconut shells and other agricultural by-products are gathered and processed into uniform, high-density pellets.
These raw materials, which are often considered waste, are first dried to reduce moisture content to ensure that the final product is energy-efficient when burned.
Once dried, the material is finely ground and compressed under high pressure to form pellets. No binders or additives are used in this process, making the pellets a pure and clean fuel source. The resulting biomass products are small, cylindrical and highly dense which allows for efficient storage and transportation.
“Berde Kaway’s biomass pellets offer a sustainable alternative to coal, helping industries reduce carbon emissions and earn carbon credits, all without additional infrastructure investment,” Edmonds added.
How Biomass Pellets Are Used
Biomass pellets are primarily used to fuel different types of industrial boilers, including grate-fired, fluidized bed and pulverized fuel boilers. The generated heat is essential for various manufacturing processes like paper, gypsum and tuna processing.
Burning biomass pellets is straightforward and requires minimal modifications to existing equipment. The pellets are fed into the boiler, which is burned to generate heat. This heat is then used to produce steam, which drives turbines or is directly applied in industrial processes such as drying, heating and power generation.
Why Biomass Pellet Production is Important for the Philippines
The significance of Berde Kaway’s biomass pellet production extends beyond just providing a renewable energy source. The facility plays a crucial role in the Philippines’ broader energy strategy as outlined in the Philippine Energy Plan 2020-2040.
The plan emphasizes the need to transition to clean energy sources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix.
Heat generation in industrial processes is one of the largest sources of CO2 emissions in the Philippines, while coal alone accounts for 66.76%.
By using carbon-neutral biomass pellets, industries can significantly cut their emissions. This aligns with the country’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030.
Adopting biomass energy also supports the local economy by utilizing agricultural waste, reducing waste management issues and creating “green” jobs.
The company is poised to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions in the Philippines. They are likewise eyeing an expansion that will include the construction of a new facility and the development of dedicated plantations to ensure a stable and affordable supply of biomass pellets in the future.
The strategic location of Berde Kaway’s facility in Quezon Province allows it to serve nearby industries efficiently, reducing transportation costs and emissions associated with fuel delivery.
As more multinational companies in the Philippines strive to meet their sustainability targets, the demand for biomass pellets is expected to rise, driven by the dual benefits of reducing carbon emissions and qualifying for carbon credits.
“As the world moves towards greener energy solutions, Berde Kaway stands at the forefront, ready to meet the challenges of the future and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable Philippines,” Edmonds said.
