THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Wednesday that an Australian waste-to-energy project is projected to start operations by the end of 2024.
In a statement, the DTI said that Australian startup Cyclion Pty. Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Development Co. (NDC) last month for an investment of $3 million in the waste-to-energy project.
NDC General Manager Antonilo DC Mauricio said: “Our joint efforts will advance waste management solutions, contributing to the national agenda on energy security and environmental sustainability.”
“We are excited to work on this partnership and contribute to the country’s sustainable future with our innovative and sustainable solutions,” Cyclion Founder and Chief Executive Officer Philip Major said.
Under the agreement, Cyclion will build a processing plant in Manila employing the Australian company’s technology for converting bio waste into green fuel.
“The facility’s modular design will enable the processing of 900 tons of waste daily, highlighting the project’s scalability and adaptability to varying waste volumes,” the DTI said.
Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said that the partnership between the NDC and Cyclion highlights opportunities for Australia and the Philippines to collaborate.
“By strengthening the collaboration between our public and private sectors, we can unlock new avenues for growth and innovation in key sectors like agriculture, education, critical minerals, and clean energy,” Mr. Pascual said.
Aside from the partnership with NDC, Cyclion also signed a letter of intent with Murdoch University’s Algae Harvest Pty. Ltd. for a research collaboration last year.
The DTI said that the collaboration aims to study new ways of using algae to turn waste into “high-value” products which will be used in the Australian firm’s projects in the Philippines. — Justine Irish D. Tabile