President Marcos optimistic waste-to-energy program will be implemented by 2027

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday expressed optimism that the government’s waste-to-energy program could be implemented by 2027, as the Department of Energy (DOE) moves to expedite the auction process for the projects.

In an interview after inspecting the Tripa de Gallina Pumping Station in Pasay City, Marcos said the DOE has started the bidding process for the program, which aims to address the country’s growing waste problem while providing an alternative source of energy.

“With our waste-to-energy program, the DOE is already starting to auction. So, nagbi-bid na sila sa (it is now accepting bids for the) waste-to-energy program,” Marcos said.

During his inspection of the pumping station, the President underscored the persistent problem of garbage clogging drainage systems and pumping stations, particularly during heavy rains.

Marcos expressed confidence that waste-to-energy projects could be put into action by next year, provided financing is available.

“Medyo mabilis naman yan, at ‘yung (It is moving relatively fast, and the) waste-to-energy should be, as long as the financing is available, I think will be able to put those into action by next year,” he said.

The waste-to-energy program forms part of the government’s efforts to develop more sustainable waste management solutions, reduce the volume of garbage ending up in landfills and waterways, and generate additional power.

The DOE said on Aug. 12 that around 400 megawatts (MW) of waste-to-energy capacity have been included in the Green Energy Auction program, with the auction scheduled for Oct. 13.

Proponents of winning projects are expected to achieve mechanical completion by the end of 2028, while the power plants are expected to begin delivering electricity by the end of 2029.

According to DOE data, around 200 MW of power could be generated from the 9,000 metric tons of municipal solid waste produced daily in Metro Manila.

The government has been pursuing waste-to-energy projects as part of efforts to address the country’s mounting solid waste problem while diversifying its energy sources.

-Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos/Philippine News Agency