Lapu hosts P1.3B recycling plant

THE largest Canadian investment so far in the country, at P1.3 billion, is going to be spent on the construction of a recycling and waste-to-energy facility in Lapu-Lapu City.

John Negrin, Aquilini Renewable Energy president, said the project is the first of the company’s investments in the country with an initial $25 million that is expected to generate over $200 million or P8.5 billion in economic benefits over a period of 30 years.

Careers

“The project will create good job opportunities and long-term careers for the local workforce,” he said.

Negrin was present at the groundbreaking for the project, along with Canadian Embassy Senior Trade Commissioner Karra-Lee Gerrits, Aquilini Development and Construction Inc. chief financial officer Renzo Barazzuol, Aquilini Mactan Renewable Energy Phils.
Inc. president Jesus Jayme and Canadian Consul Robert Lee.

Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) Director General Lilia de Lima said the Canadian investment is the largest in the country.

Industrial waste

The project aims to process toxic, hazardous and industrial waste generated by locators within the Mactan Export Zone.

In an interview, Negrin told reporters the facility is expected to produce 2.2 megawatts to 2.5 MW of electricity from the expected 75 tons to 100 tons waste generated at the zone every day.

A second kind of power the company will produce is a byproduct of the electrical generation or the waste heat.

He said hot water from turbines passes through a cooling tower and goes back to the system. This process can be used to generate airconditioning capability for the locators in the area.

The power produced by the facility will be managed through a power purchase agreement with Peza, said Negrin.

Fernando Quililan, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 7 director, said the waste-to-energy project is needed in the province to help stop pollution of the underground water source.

“The source of 90 percent of Cebu’s water is groundwater and 10 percent surface water through the Buhisan Dam,” he said.

Water sources

He said indiscriminate dumping would lead to pollution of water sources.

He said only a few companies could afford to transport their toxic waste to Manila, while the waste of other companies end up in creeks and rivers.

“One project will not be sufficient to address the management of waste generated in Cebu. (But) at least a portion (of generated waste) is treated and we hope the others will follow,” said Quililan.