Biomass to the Rescue

Photo via Martech Boiler

As our country declared a national energy emergency, imported and fossil fuels are gradually killing opportunities for a greener future. Yet as unstable as they are, the majority of power plants still use them for convenience. 

However, a recent innovation showed two renewable alternatives that can not only change the course of action against air pollution, but also provide sustainable energy for the nation. With agro-forest waste on the table, the dream of long-term stability, for both humanity and global temperatures, can truly become a reality.

Charcoal briquettes and bamboo pellets are both promising biomass energy sources and classify as agro-forest waste. Put simply, they are organic materials produced from agricultural byproducts and can serve as substitutes as fuel for many energy facilities. Additionally, both are less destructive than conventional fossil fuels, releasing substantially lower amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

According to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), both of these biomass fuels were developed by the Forest Products Research and Development Institute with the intention of providing a cleaner and locally sourced alternative to support energy production.

Charcoal briquettes are uniform, made with a mix of charcoal fines and binder. They are also almost smokeless, burn slower, and have more heat per unit volume. Compared to traditional uling (charcoal), briquettes are more advanced and efficient. As for bamboo pellets, they are compact and lightweight, making transportation effortless. Furthermore, bamboo is a fast-growing resource that can withstand most environments, resulting in more supply than demand.

Moreover, both materials fall under the category of co-firing fuel. In layman’s terms, it is similar to the idea of good cop and bad cop. The bad cop is the coal — more harsh and polluting, while the good cop — being the bamboo pellets or the charcoal briquettes, are more gentle, mitigating the emissions from the coal and making the burning process acceptable. And together, co-firing begins as the two work together simultaneously in coal-fired power plants.

As DOST-FPRDI Director Rico J. Cabangon stated: “Promoting biomass-based energy technologies can stimulate rural livelihoods while addressing crucial energy concerns”. 

These byproducts paint a bigger picture than just an alternative fuel. With enough effort from driven communities, biomass products can be the next step towards minimizing carbon emissions, alongside reaping the benefits of improving local economies.

Despite these hopeful ideas breaking into the spotlight, none will bear fruit of environmental impact without joint pursuit from both our society and the government. We, as one, must strive on using the innovations of our smart researchers for the greater good. Together, a motion for reducing greenhouse gases can prevail without sacrificing convenience.