Metro Pacific group plans to convert QC trash into energy

A consortium led by infrastructure holding firm Metro Pacific has proposed to convert the solid waste of Quezon City, one of the most populous cities in the metropolis, into 42 megawatts of renewable energy that can power up to 90,000 homes.

The consortium has obtained “original proponent status” for this unsolicited proposal to develop a solid waste-to-energy facility for Quezon City that is estimated by the local government to cost P8 billion to P10 billion.

Apart from Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), the consortium also includes Covanta Energy LLC and Macquarie Group Ltd., MPIC disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday.

The “pioneering” proposal for an integrated solid waste management (ISWM) facility accepted by the Quezon City (QC) government is capable of processing and converting up to 3,000 metric tons per day of the city’s municipal solid waste into 42 megawatts of renewable energy.

In a statement on March 24, the QC local government unit (LGU) led by mayor Herbert Bautista said the city was exploring the setting up of a waste-to-energy facility to “help clean the city by providing a good method for solid waste disposal with 90 percent reduction of trash volume.”

MPIC’s disclosure said the project would be undertaken through a joint venture between the QC government and the consortium.

As the original proponent of the project, the Metro Pacific consortium will have the exclusive rights to enter into detailed negotiations with the local government unit.

“The volume of solid waste as a result of economic growth and urbanization has become a challenge for local governments to ensure effective and sustainable management of waste,” said Jose Ma. Lim, president and chief executive officer of MPIC.

“An integrated solid waste management facility is a sustainable approach to society’s use of resources to reduce the amount of waste that must be placed in landfills for disposal while being environmentally responsive.”