Berde Kaway Rides the Green Wave as the Philippines' First Certified Biomass Production Facility

Berde Kaway, located in Quezon Province, has become the Philippines' first and only DOE-certified biomass production facility, producing eco-friendly biomass pellets from agricultural waste. This certification, a result of close collaboration with REURASIA Management Corporation and the DOE, sets a new standard for renewable energy in the country. The facility currently produces 600 tons per month, with plans to expand to 250,000 tons per year by 2027. Berde Kaway's biomass pellets offer a sustainable alternative to coal, helping industries reduce carbon emissions and earn carbon credits, all without additional infrastructure investment.

Quezon Province, Philippines – 07 August 2024 – In a groundbreaking achievement, Berde Kaway has been certified by the Department of Energy (DOE) as the first and only biomass production facility in the Philippines. This landmark certification, which involved close collaboration between Berde Kaway, REURASIA Management Corporation, and the DOE, marks a significant step forward in the country’s transition to sustainable energy solutions.

The Process of Biomass Pellet Production

Biomass pellet production at Berde Kaway begins with the collection of agricultural waste, which is abundant in a country with a thriving agricultural sector. Materials such as rice husks, coconut shells, and other agricultural by-products are gathered and processed into uniform, high-density pellets. These raw materials, often considered waste, are first dried to reduce moisture content, ensuring that the final product is energy-efficient when burned.

Once dried, the material is finely ground and compressed under high pressure to form pellets. No binders or additives are used in this process, making the pellets a pure and clean fuel source. The resulting biomass pellets are small, cylindrical, and highly dense, which allows for efficient storage and transportation. Each pellet packs a significant amount of energy, making them an ideal substitute for traditional fossil fuels like coal.

1. Raw material feed conveyor

2. Shredder – specially designed for Coconut Husks & other materials

3. Hammer Mill

4. Rotary Dryer heated from a biomass furnace

5. Dust Collection

6. Pelletizers – 2 units to maintain availability

7. Pellet Cooler – from the pelletizer the pellets are 85°C

8. Bulk truck loading, with option for feeding to sacks / jumbo bags

How Biomass Pellets Are Used

Biomass pellets are primarily used as fuel in industrial boilers, which are essential for generating the heat required in various manufacturing processes like paper, gypsum, tuna processing. These pellets can be burned in different types of boilers, including:

Grate-fired Boilers: These are among the most common types of boilers used in industries. They are well-suited for burning solid fuels like biomass pellets and can be found in industries such as sugar refining and food processing.

Fluidized Bed Boilers: Known for their efficiency and versatility, these boilers can handle a variety of fuels, including biomass pellets. They are particularly used in power generation and large-scale industrial applications.

Pulverized Fuel Boilers: Typically used for coal, these boilers can also be adapted to burn biomass pellets. This flexibility allows industries to gradually transition from coal to more sustainable fuel sources without significant investment in new infrastructure.

The process of burning biomass pellets in these boilers is straightforward and requires minimal modifications to existing equipment. The pellets are fed into the boiler, where they are burned to generate heat. This heat is then used to produce steam, which drives turbines or is directly applied in industrial processes such as drying, heating, and power generation.

Why Biomass Pellet Production Is Important for the Philippines

The significance of Berde Kaway’s biomass pellet production extends beyond just providing a renewable energy source. The facility plays a crucial role in the Philippines' broader energy strategy, as outlined in the Philippine Energy Plan 2020-2040. The plan emphasizes the need to transition to clean energy sources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix.

Heat generation in industrial processes is one of the largest sources of CO2 emissions in the Philippines while coal alone is 66.76% of it. By using biomass pellets, which are carbon-neutral, industries can significantly cut their emissions. This aligns with the country’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030.

Furthermore, the adoption of biomass energy supports the local economy by utilizing agricultural waste, reducing waste management issues, and creating green jobs. 

The Future of Biomass Energy in the Philippines

Berde Kaway’s current production capacity of 600 tons per month is just the beginning. With plans to ramp up production to 250,000 tons per year by 2027, the company is poised to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions in the Philippines. This expansion includes the construction of a new facility and the development of dedicated plantations, ensuring a stable and affordable supply of biomass pellets for years to come.

The strategic location of Berde Kaway’s facility in Quezon Province allows it to serve nearby industries efficiently, reducing transportation costs and emissions associated with fuel delivery. As more multinational companies in the Philippines strive to meet their sustainability targets, the demand for biomass pellets is expected to rise, driven by the dual benefits of reducing carbon emissions and qualifying for carbon credits.

The Role of Biomass in Reducing Coal Dependency

In this context, the development of biomass energy, as exemplified by Berde Kaway’s biomass pellet production, becomes increasingly crucial. Biomass offers a viable alternative to coal, capable of being integrated into existing industrial boilers with minimal infrastructure changes. The transition to biomass not only helps reduce CO2 emissions but also supports the circular economy by utilizing agricultural waste, thus addressing both environmental and economic challenges.

The certification of Berde Kaway by the DOE marks a significant milestone in the Philippines’ journey towards a sustainable energy future. By producing biomass pellets that serve as a viable alternative to coal, Berde Kaway is helping industries transition to cleaner energy sources, thereby reducing the country’s overall carbon footprint. With the support of REURASIA Management Corporation, which financed, engineered, and installed the facility’s equipment, Berde Kaway is not just leading the green wave—it is setting the standard for renewable energy in the Philippines.

As the world moves towards greener energy solutions, Berde Kaway stands at the forefront, ready to meet the challenges of the future and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable Philippines.

About Reurasia management corporation

REURASIA Management Corporation is a leading Filipino company dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions across Southeast Asia. With a focus on engineering, financing, and implementing renewable energy projects, REURASIA plays a pivotal role in driving the transition to cleaner energy sources. As the force behind Berde Kaway, the Philippines' first DOE-certified biomass production facility, REURASIA is at the forefront of reducing industrial carbon footprints by converting agricultural waste into renewable biomass pellets. Through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, REURASIA is committed to shaping a greener, more sustainable future.

For more information, visit https://www.berde-kaway.com.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Asuene APAC Participated in the "AZEC" Decarbonization Cooperation Framework Meeting and Signed MOU with Dasar Consulting to Promote ESG Initiatives in Sarawak, Malaysia

Asuene APAC participated in the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) meeting held on Wednesday, August 21 in Indonesia, which includes Japan and ASEAN countries.

At the meeting, Asuene APAC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dasar Consulting SDN.BHD. which provides ESG consulting and workshops in Malaysia, to collaborate on promoting ESG initiatives in Sarawak, Malaysia.

Through this partnership, we aim to promote the adoption of the "ASUENE" a carbon accounting platform, as well as the "ASUENE ESG" evaluation cloud service among local companies in Malaysia, particularly in Sarawak, thereby contributing to the advancement of decarbonization and ESG management in the region.

About AZEC

The Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) is a decarbonization cooperation framework led by Japan, partnering with 11 countries including Australia and Southeast Asian nations. On August 21, the second ministerial meeting was held in Jakarta, Indonesia, with Japan represented by Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Koichi Hagiuda. The meeting adopted a joint statement reaffirming AZEC's principles, including "Net Zero through Diverse Pathways" and "Simultaneous Realization of Decarbonization, Economic Growth, and Energy Security." The statement also agreed on sector-specific initiatives aimed at decarbonizing the power, transportation, and industrial sectors over the next decade.

During the meeting, approximately 70 new cooperation projects were agreed upon between AZEC member countries and Japanese companies. Asuene was represented by Masaaki Hamada, Country Manager and Director of Asuene APAC, who also signed the MOU with Dasar Consulting.

Background of the Partnership

In the Asia-Pacific region, including Southeast Asia, companies are interested in decarbonization, and their CO2 visibility and reduction needs are growing rapidly. The Malaysian government has declared its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and in 2023 announced the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), a cornerstone of its decarbonization policy. The roadmap identifies key areas such as renewable energy conversion and CO2 capture, highlighting a strong push towards decarbonization.

Among Malaysian states, Sarawak is a leader in renewable energy, hydroelectric power, and decarbonization efforts. With 13 industrial parks within its borders, the need for decarbonization and ESG initiatives among companies in the state is growing.

On the occasion of the AZEC meeting, Asuene APAC signed an MOU with Dasar Consulting, headquartered in Sarawak, Malaysia, to collaborate on promoting ESG initiatives in the state.

Details of the Partnership

"ASUENE" offers a carbon accounting platform across the entire supply chain for companies and municipalities, in accordance with the GHG Protocol's Scope 1-3. Additionally, we provide sustainability consulting service. Our strength lies in delivering comprehensive one-stop solutions for decarbonization, supporting companies in advancing their decarbonization management.

Dasar Consulting supports decarbonization and ESG management for Malaysian companies by offering ESG consulting and workshops.

Through this partnership, we will promote the adoption of the "ASUENE" a carbon accounting platform, as well as the "ASUENE ESG" evaluation cloud service in Sarawak, Malaysia, fostering corporate decarbonization in the state and expanding support for decarbonization and ESG management across Asia from our APAC base.

About Dasar Consulting

Company Name: Dasar Consulting SDN.BHD.
Representative: Managing Director Charles Liew
Headquarters: 1st Floor, Lot 12164, Block 16, KCLD, Jalan Song, Kuching, Sarawak 93350.

About Asuene APAC Pte. Ltd.

Asuene Inc. is a leading Climate Tech company in Japan with the mission of ”Making a better world for next generations”. We provide "ASUENE" a carbon accounting platform to measure, report and reduce carbon emissions of companies and we contribute to the net zero society.

Company name: Asuene Inc.
Representative: Founder＆CEO Kohei Nishiwada
Date of establishment: October, 2019
Headquarters: WeWork, KDX Toranomon 1Chome Building 4F, 1-10-5 Toranomon, Minato-Ku
URL：https://earthene.com/asuzero/apac

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Introduction Media and Information Literacy

  

This is the second part of the four-part series of The Future of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in the Philippines. This article will delve into the effects of innovation in MIL education in the Philippines.

The Philippines is webbed into the media-saturated world. Inevitably, Filipinos are exposed to different harmful content such as misinformation or political propaganda. Hence, the call for Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is a must. This skill set empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the information age, critically evaluate the content they encounter, and participate responsibly.

The Philippines recognizes the benefits of MIL education so it integrated it as a subject in its curriculum. Unfortunately, technological innovation is so fast that it makes the curriculum obsolete. There are new technologies that exist like artificial intelligence and social media algorithms.

Given all this information, this article explores the transformative innovations that are reshaping MIL education. It will also delve into the significance of continuous adaptation and collaboration in preparing future generations to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape with confidence and discernment.

Innovations Transforming MIL Education

The landscape of MIL education is undergoing a dynamic transformation due to the existence of innovative technologies that make learning more engaging and impactful. For example, the launching of gamification. These are technologies thatincorporate game-design elements into the learning process, This is proven to be an effective tool in capturing students' attention and motivating them to actively participate. These include interactive quizzes, educational games, and simulations that enhance understanding and retention of MIL concepts.

Then, there is Virtual Reality (VR). This technology offers immersive experiences that simulate real-world media scenarios. Students can step into virtual newsrooms. They can witness the impact of public information campaigns, and they can also gain firsthand insights into how media messages are crafted and disseminated. These practical experiences deepen their understanding of media's influence on society and empower them to critically analyze its content.

Meanwhile, the popularity of interactive platforms such as online forums, multimedia presentations, and digital storytelling tools, are also instrumental in fostering critical thinking and media analysis skills. These platforms encourage collaboration, discussion, and exploration of different perspectives. They enable students to engage with media content in a meaningful way and apply MIL concepts in real-world contexts.

Preparing Future Generations for a Media-Rich World

The digital landscape is constantly evolving. Therefore, MIL education must keep pace with these changes to remain relevant and effective. Continuous adaptation to technological advancements is essential to ensure that students are equipped with the skills they need to puzzle in the ever-changing media environment. This also means that educators must stay abreast of the latest developments in digital media and incorporate them into their teaching practices.

Furthermore, collaboration among primary key players holds immense potential for advancing MIL education. These partnerships can provide access to cutting-edge technologies, such as VR and AI-driven tools. They can promote more dynamic and engaging learning experiences. When educators and tech companies work together, they can develop advanced MIL programs that better prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

Conclusion

Media and Information Literacy is not just an educational goal but a societal imperative. When students are equipped with the skills to critically engage with media and information, then they become a generation of informed, responsible and empowered citizens who can map out the complexities of the digital age, make informed decisions, and contribute positively to society. It is crucial for all stakeholders to invest in and prioritize MIL education to ensure that future generations are well-prepared for the media-rich world they will inherit.