Energy from Biomass in Luzon, Philippines

On the main island of the Philippines, Luzon, ENP is planning a sustainable energy project.

The principle is rather simple: Biomass materials such as coconut shells, rice husk, corn cobs, bamboo, agricultural and forestry waste are collected centrally. The materials get dried and pressed into uniform shape and are ultimately processed into electricity in a power plant unit. The electricity generated in this way is fed into the public grid - a state-regulated, fixed feed-in-tariff guarantees a predictable and stable economic outlook. A by-product is charcoal, which can be sold locally. This model can be scaled in accordance with available biomass and electricity demand within an area, as well as on available investment budgets. At the beginning, however, "proof of concept" is focusing on one selected location.

The ENP-Approach

Our concept combines three basic principles and can therefore be applied at numerous locations.

• Ecologic:

Consistent use of environmentally friendly, renewable biomass and the cleanest possible low-emission power plant technology.

• Decentralized:

Electricity should be produced where it is needed to minimize transport losses and interruptions caused by inadequate infrastructure.

• Independent:

Short supply routes, easy-to-maintain technology, and - in a later step - production of own biomass to increase security of supply.

Choice of location - Luzon

In general, electricity production from biomass can be considered wherever the following location factors are given:

• Long-term stable economic and legal conditions
• Long-term availability of sufficient biomass at economically favorable, short distance to site
• Sufficient energy demand in relative proximity to the project, steady growth forecasted
• Proximity to infrastructure where generated electricity can be fed into the public grid ("on-grid")
• Alternatively: Production directly at the end consumer with increased electricity consumption, e.g. manufacturing industry ("off-grid")

A number of factors speak in favor of central and northern Luzon as primary locations:

• Permanent availability of large quantities of different biomass, especially from rice, abaca, corn, and banana cultivation as well as the timber and bamboo industry
• Largest interconnected electricity market in the Philippines
• Largest growth in total electricity demand, both retrospectively and expected
• Best infrastructure conditions overall, compared with the southern provinces
• Higher economic and political stability compared to the southern provinces
• Relative proximity to the Metro Manila conurbation and other economic centers

Roadmap to implementation

VECO-NATURE-PRODUCTS PLC leaves nothing to chance, from the idea to feasibility study, project planning to the first day of operations. The further steps are as follows:

• Feasibility studies at selected locations within Luzon
• Preparation of long-term supply contracts with biomass suppliers
• Public-private partnership with the Philippine government
• Contractual, long-term assurance of the feed-in tariff (feed-in tariff)
• Fundraising for final preparation and implementation of the project
• Optional: Co-financing by Philippine bank if project size is appropriate

Planned project start with secured financing: Q1 2022

Note due to the current situation with COVID-19:

Due to the restrictions imposed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, delays may occur. ENP continuously reviews the overall situation, taking into account the health advice of local and international health authorities such as WHO, etc.

Partners

ECO-NATURE-PRODUCTS PLC cooperates with external partners during the development and realization of this project:

Asiando Ltd.

Asiando Ltd. is a UK and NL based environmental consultancy, providing a range of services in project development and project management.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Department of Environment & Natural Ressources (DENR) is one of ENP´s institutional partners. The ministry is making sure that the project is in line with the Philippine´s environmental regulations.

Department of Energy

Department of Energy (DoE) is regulating the Philippine energy market and its further development and expansion.

Board of Investments

The Board of Investments assists and guides foreign investors that engage in the Philippines, dedicated to provide a favorable environment for investments in the country.

Eco Media International Ltd.

The agency Eco Media International Ltd. assists on marketing and PR matters of the project.