Implementation of existing technologies for the valorization of lignocellulosic biomasses from agricultural production in the Philippines

03/04/2024
Dr. Fernando O. Paras Jr (UPLB), Dr. Jean Gérard, and Dr. Patrick Langbour (CIRAD), carried out a 10-day mission to the provinces of Laguna, Nueva Ecija, and Benguet to assess existing R&D capacities and technical needs in the use of biomass for energy production.
CIRAD mission welcomed by the Dean of the University of the Philippines Los Baños. © Fernando O. Paras
CIRAD mission welcomed by the Dean of the University of the Philippines Los Baños. © Fernando O. Paras

CIRAD mission welcomed by the Dean of the University of the Philippines Los Baños. © Fernando O. Paras

Valorization of rice straw into pellets and briquettes - International Rice Research Institute. © Fernando O. Paras

Valorization of rice straw into pellets and briquettes - International Rice Research Institute. © Fernando O. Paras

The mission, organized by Dr. Fernando O. Paras Jr., provided an opportunity to meet with players from various structures involved in the biomass-energy sector, including university laboratories, R&D establishments, private operators and professional groups, and local authorities.

During these meetings, the ins and outs of the study in progress were presented to the stakeholders, emphasizing its operational stakes and the prospects for cooperation between the players involved in the search for solutions for valorizing the by-products of agricultural production. Current local and regional initiatives were presented to the members of the mission. The ensuing discussions helped to identify the needs associated with each of the Philippines' main agricultural products.

Rice husk biochar manufacturing unit - Alcom Carbon Markets. © Jean Gérard

Rice husk biochar manufacturing unit - Alcom Carbon Markets. © Jean Gérard

At the end of the mission, the analysis of the information and data collected will lead to the identification of the regions, the associated residual agricultural biomass and the preferred recovery methods for energy production, in line with the Philippine Climate Change Plan, the National Adaptation Plan, and national ambitions in terms of integrating biomass into energy production. This work is part of the technical assistance to the Philippines supported by the French Development Bank (AFD) for climate-resilient agriculture. This technical assistance is linked to a loan to support reforms, the "Climate Change Action Program" (CCAP), granted to the Philippines by AFD and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), in the agriculture and fisheries sector.

Continuous-type Rice Hull (CtRH) Carbonizer - Philippine Rice Research Institute. © Ricardo F. Orge

Continuous-type Rice Hull (CtRH) Carbonizer - Philippine Rice Research Institute. © Ricardo F. Orge