3 new biomass plants to rise in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines – Renewable energy firm Mackay Green Energy Inc is putting up 3 new biomass power facilities in Mindanao that will generate a total capacity of 32 megawatts (MW).

The 3 power projects will be built at a cost of close to P1 billion ($ 22.1 million).

Mackay Green Energy will be the project proponent while the project companies are Kalilangan Biomass Energy Corporation (10MW); Don Carlos Biomass Energy Corporation, (10MW); and Misamis Oriental Biomass Energy Corporation (12 MW).

“It costs $3 million (P 135.8 million) per MW, all in, including the turbines,” said James Mackay, chairman and CEO of Mackay Green Energy.

All 3 projects will utilize bana grass, an energy crop, as fuel to produce the energy.

“The gas from the bana grass is 60% methane. The methane will run the power plant and the byproduct is green coal,” added Mackay.

Mackay Green Energy will provide financing for all 3 projects, including the production of biomass crop.

“It’s a unique crop and a sister to napier grass but you only plant it one time. The yield is up to 600 wet tons per hectare per year. This crop is a dedicated biomass crop therefore it doesn’t interfere with the food crop,” explained Mackay,

The bana grass will be imported from Africa, he confirmed.

Construction for the 10MW power plants is expected to be finished in 9 months. Commercial operations will follow thereafter.

“We are breaking ground by middle of next month. We will be onsite next week for the final preparations,” said Mackay.

The firm also looking at the possibility of selling the by product, green coal, domestically and abroad.

“We have contracts here, for Korea, Japan and Spain and the Thais, they are using it for existing coal power plants. We are also in talks to local corporations, in Mindanao, and also in Negros and Luzon,” he said. – Rappler.com

$1 = P 45.3