Biogas in the Philippinen
Background of Biogas in the Philippines
Biogas technology was first introduced in the Philippines in 1965. However, the technology received little social or economic support at the time. Biogas plants were not yet economically feasible as abundant and cheap coal was primarily used to generate power. In the following decades, practical biogas applications were limited to biogas digesters for home use. Today, there are several industrial-scale biogas plants in the Philippines that generate energy from organic waste.
Potential of Biogas in the Philippines
The Philippines is an agricultural country that has potential to generate large quantities of biowaste and is committed to attaining a sustainable and clean energy future.
In 2016, the Philippines signed the Paris Climate Accord and committed to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% and to increase renewable energy sources to 35% by 2030. Since then, the Department of Energy (DOE) is committed to lessen the Philippine’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Today, there are several industrial-scale biogas plants in the Philippines that generate energy from organic waste. Despite this development biogas production still plays a rather small role as a renewable energy source. Biogas has accounted for less than 1% of the power generation mix in 2020.
Waste-to-Energy
In the Philippines several laws were established to promote waste to energy conversion. Waste-to-energy technology refers to “systems which convert biodegradable material such as but not limited to animal manure or agricultural waste, into useful energy through processes such as: anaerobic digestion, fermentation, and gasification. Section 30 of Republic Act (RA) 9513, which promotes the development of renewable energy, provides for the use of “waste-to-energy” technology subject to requirements of RAs 9003 and 8749.
RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000)
Promotes the establishment and operation of Waste To Energy facilities which aims to help the economy to reduce reliance on imported oils and increase in power generation.
RA 8749 (Clean Air Act of 1999)
Provides for the creation of a national program of air pollution management focusing primarily on pollution prevention. Among its provisions are the regular monitoring of greenhouse gases and prohibition of the use of the incineration methods.
Biogas 101
Here are 11 informative facts about biogas in the Philippines and the generation process.
Research Partnership with Mapua University
As part of the project, Lipp GmbH in association with GPCCI established a research partnership with Mapúa University-Intramuros. Through the partnership, Lipp will provide biogas yield testing equipment to Mapúa to support biogas research efforts into new feedstocks, the organic matter that is fermented to generate biogas. Furthermore, as part of the partnership, Mapúa will strengthen biogas awareness raising through its curriculum integration.
Knowledge Products
Biogas Fachverband (German Biogas Association)
Scan the QR codes for GBA’s biogas guidelines and journal!
Awareness Building
In line with the goals of the Pineapples to Power Project to promote the use of biogas technology in the Philippines, GPCCI conducted various information campaigns and developed knowledge products to raise awareness for the potential of biogas production and use in the Philippines
GPCCI: Insight podcast episode "Supporting the Philippines' Renewable Energy Transformation w/ German Biogas Technology
In this episode, Manuel Lipp, CEO of German biogas tank producer Lipp GmbH, delves into how industrial-scale biogas production in the Philippines can be a potential game-changer for the country's shift to renewable energy.
ANC Market Edge Interview
In 2021, the German Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) has facilitated and organized a TV appearance of Ditmar Gorges, Managing Partner of MetPower Venture Partners Holdings Inc. and Lipp partner in the Philippines, on local TV. A 9-minute interview was conducted on channel ANC in its weekly segment Market Edge. In this interview Ditmar has discussed the key aspects of the project such as investment timetable, power generation, feedstock, energy mix, best practices, and future of biogas in the Philippines.
Going Big with Biogas
In a 90-minute online forum, industry experts and government representatives presented and discussed the benefits and state of knowledge of industrial biogas production in the Philippines. Around 90 biogas enthusiasts attended the forum. Industry experts, scientists and representatives of relevant authorities shared their expertise.
Biogas: Converting Waste to Energy
The brochure explains the basics of biogas production and use and gives an overview of the current biogas situation in the Philippines. Part of the brochure is devoted to answering frequently asked questions and assumptions.
Biogas: Waste to Energy Flyer
The biogas production and its use is explained in a compact flyer format with illustrations.