The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it is exploring waste-to-energy technology as a renewable energy source in the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone.
In a statement, Joshua M. Bingcang, BCDA president and chief executive officer, said this initiative aligns with the state-run firm’s commitment to sustainable development and creating a smart, green city
Currently, the BCDA is conducting a comprehensive study for a proposed waste-to-energy facility in Tarlac that aims to bolster power supply and meet the needs of locators and investors in Clark.
"The BCDA is committed to adopting smart and green innovations to push for the sustainable development of our properties," Bingcang said.
"Utilizing waste-to-energy technology, in particular, will modernize solid waste management and promote green energy, helping usher Clark's transition towards a circular economy,” he added.
The World Bank's 2018 study, "What a Waste 2.0: A Global Snapshot of Solid Waste Management to 2050," highlighted the urgency of this issue.
The study projected global annual waste generation to reach 3.4 billion tonnes by 2050.
"With waste-to-energy technology, the BCDA can do its part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while also addressing the energy requirements of our community," added Bingcang.
The BCDA's study will encompass site selection, technical, environmental, social, legal, financial, and economic analyses for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the facility.
Once the study is completed, the project will be open for public bidding under the guidelines of Republic Act 11966, the Public-Private Partnership Code of the Philippines.
BCDA said this project is in line with the Marcos administration's focus on improving solid waste management and complements the government's Kalinisan sa Bagong Pilipinas Program.