The Philippines faces an overwhelming waste management challenge. With its growing population and urbanization, waste production has soared, resulting in overfilled landfills and environmental degradation. At the same time, the country grapples with energy shortages, particularly in rural areas. Waste-to-Energy (WTE) technology presents a promising solution to address both issues, offering an innovative approach to turning waste into a valuable energy resource.
Also read: Biomass Energy: Turning Waste into Power
What is Waste-to-Energy Technology?
WTE technology converts waste materials into usable energy, typically in the form of electricity or heat. Common WTE technologies are:
- Incineration
Burning waste to generate energy, reducing volume while controlling emissions
- Anaerobic Digestion
Breaking down organic waste to produce biogas for electricity or heating
- Gasification
Converting waste into syngas, which can be used as fuel
- Pyrolysis
Heating waste in the absence of oxygen to create bio-oil and gas
- Plasma Arc Gasification
Using plasma to convert waste into syngas and vitrified ash, resulting in minimal emissions
Meanwhile, potential benefits of WTE include:
- Minimizes greenhouse gas emissions
WTE reduces methane emissions from decomposing waste in landfills, a potent greenhouse gas. By converting waste into energy, it helps mitigate climate change and improves air quality.
- Decreases reliance on fossil fuels
WTE provides a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, decreasing dependence on non-renewable energy sources. This diversification enhances energy security and reduces environmental impacts associated with fossil fuel consumption.
- Promotes sustainable waste management
WTE supports a circular economy by converting waste into a valuable resource, encouraging efficient waste management practices that minimize landfill usage and promote environmental sustainability.
- Economic benefits
The construction and operation of WTE facilities create numerous job opportunities in various sectors, stimulating local economies and providing employment in plant management, maintenance, and waste handling.
- Revenue generation
WTE plants generate revenue by selling electricity and heat produced from waste, creating a stable income stream for operators. This can also lower municipal waste management costs and fees.
Waste-to-Energy Projects in the Philippines
Waste-to-energy technology, already widely utilized in countries like northern Europe (Finland, Sweden, Denmark, etc.), South Korea, and Japan, is gaining traction in Southeast Asia, where it is being promoted as a proven green energy alternative.
The Philippines is no exception, as it gradually embraces this innovative solution to address its growing waste and energy challenges. For instance, Cebu City is advancing WTE technology with a joint venture agreement with New Sky Energy Philippines Inc. to build an incinerator-based WTE plant, expected to be completed by 2025. As the country’s first large-scale WTE facility, it aims to address Cebu’s growing waste problem.
In Iloilo City, the local government supports a new WTE project through a public-private partnership. The Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility (ISWMF) will begin construction this month and take 18 months to complete. This project is said vital as the city’s landfill nears capacity and offers solutions for both waste management and water scarcity issues.
Environmental groups opposed to WTE
Despite the potential benefits, there are significant challenges to implementing WTE technology in the Philippines.
Environmental groups raise concerns about incinerators, which will use fire grates for waste combustion, potentially releasing toxic pollutants like dioxins and furans. These emissions are linked to cancer and violate the Clean Air Act and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
WTE incinerators are carbon-intensive, producing more emissions per kilowatt-hour than conventional fossil fuels. Burning organic waste is also deemed inefficient, as it consumes more energy than it generates. Critics assert that WTE, except for anaerobic digestion, has no place in the Philippines’ energy transition, as it is neither clean nor safe.
Additionally, advocates argue that WTE should only proceed if risks can be mitigated and benefits outweigh costs. Some contend that WTE and plastic-to-fuel technologies are not renewable energy sources, as they perpetuate the plastic crisis and climate emergency by encouraging ongoing plastic use and hindering waste prevention.
Other challenges for the technology include:
- Significant cost
One of the main obstacles is the high cost of building and operating WTE facilities, which require significant initial investments. These projects are capital-intensive, and limited financial resources can hinder their development. Securing funding from both government and private sectors will be crucial to overcoming this barrier.
- Public perception
Public perception also presents a challenge, as there is often resistance to WTE projects due to concerns about incineration and pollution. Engaging communities through education and transparent communication will be essential to building public support for WTE initiatives.
The Future of Waste-to-Energy in the Philippines
The future of WTE in the Philippines looks promising, but it will require a concerted effort from both the public and private sectors to overcome the challenges. Government policies and incentives that promote WTE technology will be key in attracting investment and driving the growth of this sector. Additionally, the successful implementation of pilot projects can serve as models for larger-scale initiatives, demonstrating the viability of WTE technology in the country.