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

Makati, Philippines - September 09, 2024 - Quezon Province, Philippines – 07 August 2024 – Berde Kaway has earned its place as the first Department of Energy (DOE)-certified biomass production facility in the Philippines. This groundbreaking certification, achieved in collaboration with REURASIA Management Corporation and the DOE, marks a significant milestone in the country’s push toward sustainable energy solutions.

From Waste to Energy: The Biomass Pellet Process

Berde Kaway’s process begins with collecting agricultural waste, such as rice husks and coconut shells, which are abundant in the Philippines’ agricultural economy. These raw materials, typically discarded, are transformed into high-density biomass pellets through drying, grinding, and compressing. No binders or additives are used, ensuring the pellets are a clean and efficient fuel source.

The production process includes eight key steps:

1. Raw material feed conveyor
2. Shredder
3. Hammer Mill
4. Rotary Dryer
5. Dust Collection
6. Pelletizers
7. Pellet Cooler
8. Bulk truck loading

Each small, cylindrical pellet contains a substantial amount of energy, making them a viable replacement for traditional fossil fuels like coal. The result is a renewable energy solution that both reduces waste and powers industries.

Industrial Applications and Boiler Compatibility

Biomass pellets from Berde Kaway are used as fuel in industrial boilers, which generate heat essential for processes in industries like paper, food processing, and gypsum production. Several types of boilers can utilize these pellets:

• Grate-fired boilers
• Fluidized bed boilers
• Pulverized fuel boilers

Industries can easily integrate biomass pellets into their existing operations with minimal modifications, making the transition to cleaner energy cost-effective and efficient.

The Importance of Biomass for the Philippines

The shift toward biomass energy is crucial for the Philippines, where heat generation for industrial processes is a major source of CO2 emissions. In 2020, coal accounted for 66.76% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Philippine Energy Plan 2020-2040. This heavy reliance on coal poses a significant challenge to the country’s climate goals, particularly its commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030.

Biomass, as a carbon-neutral energy source, offers a practical solution. By replacing coal in industrial boilers, companies can drastically cut their carbon emissions while continuing to meet production demands. The use of biomass also supports the local economy by utilizing agricultural by-products, reducing waste management issues, and creating green jobs.

Expanding Biomass Production

Currently, Berde Kaway’s facility in Quezon Province produces 600 tons of biomass pellets per month, but this is just the beginning. The company plans to ramp up production to 250,000 tons per year by 2027. This expansion will include the construction of a new facility and the development of dedicated plantations, ensuring a stable and affordable biomass supply.

Berde Kaway’s strategic location near industrial hubs in Quezon Province allows it to efficiently serve its first clients, reducing transportation costs and emissions related to fuel delivery. As more multinational companies operating in the Philippines strive to meet sustainability targets, the demand for biomass is expected to grow.

Reducing Coal Dependency with Biomass

As industries increasingly turn to renewable energy, biomass pellets offer a seamless and effective alternative to coal. They can be easily mixed with coal in existing boilers, allowing companies to reduce their carbon footprint without the need for significant investment in new equipment.

Berde Kaway, with its DOE certification and support from REURASIA Management Corporation, is leading the way in the Philippines’ green energy transition. Biomass pellets provide a renewable, sustainable solution that aligns with the country’s goals of reducing coal dependency and greenhouse gas emissions.