Key Takeaways:
- The “Green BioH2E” Research and Development Laboratory launched in Cagayan de Oro City to boost renewable energy (RE) in Mindanao.
- The lab, costing PHP 6 million, is funded by DOST’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).
- The lab aims to set standards for renewable energy initiatives, progressing from small-scale to industrial applications.
- The lab was designed to facilitate the adoption of renewable energy technologies in local industries.
- Their initiatives support Mindanao’s target of achieving a 50:50 renewable energy-to-fossil fuel ratio by 2030.
- PLDT and Smart Communications have transitioned six network facilities in Mindanao to 100% renewable energy, expected to save PHP 23 million annually.
A newly established research facility is set to enhance renewable energy (RE) development in Mindanao, especially focusing on waste-to-energy technologies.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in partnership with Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan (XU), inaugurated the PHP 6 million “Green BioH2E” Research and Development (R&D) Laboratory in September 2024.
Located within XU’s College of Engineering (COE), the lab is funded by DOST’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).
Dr. Shierlyn Paclijan, the project leader, emphasized that the lab will investigate the potential of converting waste into energy, aiming to lower energy costs for local industries in the long run.
“If this technology proves viable, it could reduce utility rates and production expenses, making local products more affordable,” Paclijan noted. She also mentioned ongoing discussions with the City Local Environment Resources Office to source wastewater for energy conversion.
The lab’s pilot projects aim to pave the way for industries to adopt this technology, with an emphasis on making renewable energy both accessible and sustainable in Northern Mindanao.
Dr. Hercules Cascon, Dean of XU-COE, stated that the lab will act as a benchmark for the region’s renewable energy initiatives, evolving from small-scale concepts to comprehensive industrial applications.
This new facility aligns with Mindanao’s ambitious goal of achieving a 50:50 renewable energy-to-fossil fuel ratio by 2030, as outlined by the Mindanao Renewable Energy Acceleration and Coordination Hub.
Currently, fossil fuels account for 69% of Mindanao’s energy consumption, predominantly sourced from coal.
The private sector is also playing a role in boosting the island’s renewable energy initiatives. PLDT and Smart Communications have transitioned six network facilities in Mindanao to operate on 100% renewable energy, anticipating annual savings of PHP 23 million.
Source: CDO lab boosts renewable energy prospects in Mindanao
