Berde Kaway Rides the Green Wave as the Philippines’ First Certified Biomass Production Facility

Berde Kaway, located in Quezon Province, has become the Philippines’ first and only DOE-certified biomass production facility, producing eco-friendly biomass pellets from agricultural waste. This certification, a result of close collaboration with REURASIA Management Corporation and the DOE, 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’s biomass pellets offer a sustainable alternative to coal, helping industries reduce carbon emissions and earn carbon credits, all without additional infrastructure investment.

Quezon Province, Philippines – 07 August 2024 – In a groundbreaking achievement, Berde Kaway has been certified by the Department of Energy (DOE) as the first and only biomass production facility in the Philippines. This landmark certification, which involved close collaboration between Berde Kaway, REURASIA Management Corporation, and the DOE, marks a significant step forward in the country’s transition to sustainable energy solutions.

The Process of Biomass Pellet Production

Biomass pellet production at Berde Kaway begins with the collection of agricultural waste, which is abundant in a country with a thriving agricultural sector. Materials such as rice husks, coconut shells, and other agricultural by-products are gathered and processed into uniform, high-density pellets. These raw materials, often considered waste, are first dried to reduce moisture content, ensuring 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 pellets are small, cylindrical, and highly dense, which allows for efficient storage and transportation. Each pellet packs a significant amount of energy, making them an ideal substitute for traditional fossil fuels like coal.

1. Raw material feed conveyor

2. Shredder – specially designed for Coconut Husks & other materials

3. Hammer Mill

4. Rotary Dryer heated from a biomass furnace

5. Dust Collection

6. Pelletizers – 2 units to maintain availability

7. Pellet Cooler – from the pelletizer the pellets are 85°C

8. Bulk truck loading, with option for feeding to sacks / jumbo bags

How Biomass Pellets Are Used

Biomass pellets are primarily used as fuel in industrial boilers, which are essential for generating the heat required in various manufacturing processes like paper, gypsum, tuna processing. These pellets can be burned in different types of boilers, including:

Grate-fired Boilers: These are among the most common types of boilers used in industries. They are well-suited for burning solid fuels like biomass pellets and can be found in industries such as sugar refining and food processing.

Fluidized Bed Boilers: Known for their efficiency and versatility, these boilers can handle a variety of fuels, including biomass pellets. They are particularly used in power generation and large-scale industrial applications.

Pulverized Fuel Boilers: Typically used for coal, these boilers can also be adapted to burn biomass pellets. This flexibility allows industries to gradually transition from coal to more sustainable fuel sources without significant investment in new infrastructure.

The process of burning biomass pellets in these boilers is straightforward and requires minimal modifications to existing equipment. The pellets are fed into the boiler, where they are 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 is 66.76% of it. By using biomass pellets, which are carbon-neutral, 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.

Furthermore, the adoption of biomass energy supports the local economy by utilizing agricultural waste, reducing waste management issues, and creating green jobs. 

The Future of Biomass Energy in the Philippines

Berde Kaway’s current production capacity of 600 tons per month is just the beginning. With plans to ramp up production to 250,000 tons per year by 2027, the company is poised to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions in the Philippines. This expansion includes the construction of a new facility and the development of dedicated plantations, ensuring a stable and affordable supply of biomass pellets for years to come.

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.

The Role of Biomass in Reducing Coal Dependency

In this context, the development of biomass energy, as exemplified by Berde Kaway’s biomass pellet production, becomes increasingly crucial. Biomass offers a viable alternative to coal, capable of being integrated into existing industrial boilers with minimal infrastructure changes. The transition to biomass not only helps reduce CO2 emissions but also supports the circular economy by utilizing agricultural waste, thus addressing both environmental and economic challenges.

The certification of Berde Kaway by the DOE marks a significant milestone in the Philippines’ journey towards a sustainable energy future. By producing biomass pellets that serve as a viable alternative to coal, Berde Kaway is helping industries transition to cleaner energy sources, thereby reducing the country’s overall carbon footprint. With the support of REURASIA Management Corporation, which financed, engineered, and installed the facility’s equipment, Berde Kaway is not just leading the green wave—it is setting the standard for renewable energy in the Philippines.

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.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES