Biogas producer earmarks P77.8M for power system

By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio (The Philippine Star) Updated July 27, 2011 12:00 AM  MANILA, Philippines -  Locally-owned firm Cavite Pig City will be investing P77.766 million for the development of a 1.1 megawatt biogas power system. The Board of Investments (BOI) has agreed to allow for the duty free importation of capital equipment for 10 years because it is provided for in the Renewable Energy Law. The Biogas Power System will be using pig manure. Cavite Pig City owns and manages a highly efficient swine farrow. It currently operates a total population of 64,000 pig heads. The firm completed its Biogas Power System in the last quarter of 2008 and the farm has been enjoying the benefits of lower electricity cost generated by the project. The present load of the power system is only 560 kw but it may increase up to 800 kw from the additional biogas produced in the farm’s digester that will be used to generate electricity. The 1.1 MW Biogas Waste to Energy Power System is registered under the Energy Department. The facility was completed in the last quarter of 2008. The firm’s additional investments is for the planned expansion for additional hogs that can generate the needed volume of hog manure to produce biogas that can generate power up to 800kw to 1000kw or 1MW. The project’s total investment cost is P77.776 million covering the existing 1.1 MW Biogas engine with generator and acquisition of additional equipment for upgrading the waste treatment facility.