PH eyed as hub for zero waste-to-energy technology

Manila Times.net
Published : Friday, September 16, 2011 00:00 
 Written by : Euan Paulo C. Añonuevo, Reporter


MACKAY Green Energy Inc. (MGE) is keen on turning the Philippines into a hub for zero waste-to-energy technology and expertise in Asia.
Matt Evans, MGE vice president, said the company is banking on the 22-megawatt waste-to-energy project in Pampanga province to spur the development of similar eco-friendly power technologies.


“The goal is to present the Pampanga site as its flag ship project and eventually manufacture all parts here in the Philippines making our country a spring board to supply its technology in Asia and eventually the world,” he said.


The proposed facility, which will be located in the municipality of Lubao, will cost around $60 million.


A joint venture of MGE and Pampanga Green Management Inc. will put up the project, with the former providing the technology for the facility and the latter the funding.


The Pampanga provincial government has given the project the green light in its bid to reduce waste and increase jobs.


MGE’s patented technology enables raw waste to be classified into component parts, recyclables and refuse derived fuel. The materials are then recovered and purified for sale. The recovered fuel is then used to produce renewable energy.


The facility can process 800 tons of waste per day and is scheduled to operate starting June 2012.


Aside from helping reduce the need for landfills, the company would also embark on welfare programs such as livelihood projects generating jobs for up to 300 people for every 800 metric tons processed, Evans said.


MGE is a unit of Mackay Holdings Inc. of Scotland., which has interests in health care technologies, construction equipment and real estate.