This developed as the town government and Mackay Green Energy (MGE), a foundation-based institution advocating biomass production, launched on Tuesday a 40-hectare plantation of bana grass (pennisetum purpurem X pennisetum americanum) on an idle estate in Barangay Cambitala here.
James Mackay, chair of MGE, said the launch of the bana grass plantation in a huge idle land in the village was not only focused on utilizing green technologies in its mission to bring renewable and sustainable energy to the Philippines but also complies with the global standard.
In six to seven months from now, he said, the plantation can produce at least 25 tons of bio-coal per day with expected expansion of 1,000 tons per week. This will be one-time planting for 30 years with four months harvest interval.
Bana grass was imported in nodes from Australia as the grass had niether seeds nor flowers.
Bana grass is a perennial hybrid variety which is highly tolerant to drought and typhoons, pest-resistant and is also non-allergenic. The climate and the rainfall in the Philippines is ideal with the growth rates exceeding all expectations, according to Mackay.
He added that the project is dedicated to biomass feedstock that does not compete with any other food staples.
MGE he said developed an organic fertilizer and plant husbandry in consultation with many Filipino experts in an effort to ensure the sustainability of the project, he said.
“You don’t have enough jobs in the Philippines right now. So, at some stage, the market will come to a point when it will have to purchase,” Mackay said.
Mayor Roberto Agdipa said the plantation and subsequent production of green energy such as coal for household needs opened job opportunities for his constituents.
He lauded the company for its trust in the local government in dealing business in the once politically-hurt municipality.
Once fermented, bana grass produces lactic acid and various other valuable enzymes, according to experts. The lactic produced is being used in the production of biodegradable plastics, as in car parts and high value chemicals.
Enabling the conversion of bana grass to green coal, MGE has secured the world’s best technologies. It has reportedly superior qualities to fossil based coal and can be co-fired in existing coal power plants without the need to make drastic changes.
The leaves can be used a cattle feed.
“It is a key factor for power plants since the greenhouse emissions can be directly reduced,” Mackay added.
