Balik Scientist helps Maynilad develop waste-to-energy solutions
by John Eiron R. Francisco, https://www.facebook.com/, https://www.facebook.com/BusinessMirror/ · BusinessMirror- John Eiron R. Francisco
- September 29, 2024
- 4 minute read
A Balik Scientist has lent his expertise to Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) to help assess and introduce technologies that can transform biosolids into a source of renewable energy.
Dr. Mario Rebosura shared with Maynilad innovative approaches in the management of biosolids (organic byproduct of Maynilad’s wastewater treatment process) to fine-tune the West Zone water concessionaire’s ongoing study of waste-to-energy technologies.
Rebosura’s involvement in Maynilad was part of the company’s participation in the “Balik Scientist Program” of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
He discussed recently with the media the results of his six-month project titled “Water Utility 2.0: Toward Sustainable Biosolids Management in the Philippines.”
While Maynilad has implemented anaerobic digestion technology—a process through which bacteria break down organic matter in wastewater treatment plants, agricultural waste management, and industries handling organic waste—Rebosura noted that knowledge and maturity of its use are still lacking in the country.
In his Maynilad stint, he introduced measures to accelerate technology adoption through several seminars and training sessions for the staff.
With Maynilad’s wastewater facilities expected to generate 484 tons of dry sludge per day by the year 2037, Rebosura said it is necessary to improve the operations and management of sludge and explore further technological advances, including alternative disposal routes, such as anaerobic digestion.
When asked about the importance of treating sludge, he explained that it is one of the byproducts generated after wastewater is cleaned.
Unlike solid waste, which is immediately visible in oceans, wastewater often goes unnoticed when it is discharged.
He emphasized the health impacts of untreated sludge, which includes water from various sources like toilet flushing and dishwashing
The purpose of having a septic tank (poso negro), he explained, is to prevent wastewater from contaminating groundwater, that is crucial to distinguish between wastewater and service water, the latter being safe for consumption.
As sludge accumulates in septic tanks, it cannot simply be disposed of; it must be treated to reduce its volume.
Neglected septic tanks can be filled with harmful bacteria, pathogens, and diseases.
However, employing anaerobic technology can significantly reduce the pathogens in the sludge.
Once the water is removed, the remaining material transforms into biosolid, which is safe for use in the agricultural sector as an alternative to chemical fertilizers.
Scalable solutions
According to Rebosura, Maynilad has already invested in and developed plans for a waste-to-energy project, which he believes will materialize within three to five years.
He is optimistic that the water firm’s implementation of anaerobic digestion technology and waste-to-energy solutions will serve as a model for other wastewater facilities in the country.
He noted that acquiring the technology is not prohibitive in price, as it has been available for some time.
He emphasized that it is “very scalable,” a viable option for widespread adoption.
PHL lags behind
The Filipino scientist has revealed that the Philippines lags 30 years behind first-world countries in adopting anaerobic digestion technology for biosolid management.
He explained that anaerobic digestion can lead to more sustainable waste management and energy production.
While countries like the United States and Australia have long implemented this technology, the 2024 Balik Scientist awardee emphasized its importance which not only reduces sludge volume in water treatment operations, it also converts organic material into biomethane.
The biogas can be used to power facilities, making them self-sufficient, and allowing them to supply excess energy back to the grid.
For instance, researchers from the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures have found that three wastewater facilities in Sydney could generate 38 billion liters of methane annually through anaerobic digestion, replacing the natural gas used by 30,000 households.
The study further estimates the bioenergy potential at 126,000 MWh, which is more than four times the energy produced by local solar panel systems.
Globally, anaerobic digestion is seen as a game-changer for energy saving.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), implementing the technology at wastewater treatment plants could result in significant reductions in electricity consumption.
The EPA’s analysis suggests that the use of biogas, through anaerobic digestion and biosolids incineration, could save between 628 million kWh and 4,940 million kWh annually across the United States.
Additionally, biosolids incineration could further contribute by saving between 51.9 million kWh and 1,030 million kWh per year.
However, Rebosura emphasized that there is no need to resort to incineration for waste management.
Instead, he pointed out that biomethane, a component of biogas, possesses properties similar to natural gas and is combustible when ignited.
By collecting and processing biogas through cogeneration technology, there is no necessity to burn solids.
He explained that the approach allows biogas to generate heat and energy within the plant, offering a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional incineration methods.
Science Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. expressed “excitement” about the potential of the project to contribute to the country’s renewable energy goals.”
He said the collaboration with Maynilad “underscores the critical role of science in overcoming key challenges in the water sector.”
“Indeed, through science and technology, we can provide solutions and open opportunities for the Filipino people.”
For his part, Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez said: “As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship, Maynilad constantly seeks ways to reduce waste and promote circular economy principles.”
He said that Maynilad’s partnership with the DOST “allowed us to address the challenge of biosolid disposal while tapping into renewable energy solutions, which can benefit both our operations and the environment.”
0 0 0 0 Share 0 Tweet 0 Pin it 0 Share 0