TURNING THRASH INTO POWER: Isabela PLGU eyes establishment of plant to convert waste into electricity

Cauayan City, Isabela – A waste-to-energy project that aims to convert garbage into electricity is being planned in Isabela amid the fuel crisis.

According to the Isabela Public Information Office, the project was recently discussed in a meeting attended by Governor Rodito T. Albano, Vice Governor Kiko Dy, Ryo Hagiwara—Director of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism—and a representative from Index Strategy, Inc., a Japanese project management firm.

Apart from addressing the impact of the fuel crisis on electricity costs, the proposed project also aims to reduce the volume of garbage across the province and contribute to the agriculture sector.

Reducing waste

In 2024, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO-Isabela) reported that the province generated over 491,000 tons of waste, most of which ended up in landfills.

The project is seen as a viable solution to this problem.

Under the plan, all local government units in the province will transport their collected waste to a centralized waste-to-energy (WTE) processing facility. The size and location of the facility are currently under study.

Energy generation

Using technologies such as Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) systems, the waste will be converted into fuel, gas, and heat. The heat produced will then be used to generate steam, which drives turbines to produce electricity.

Agricultural impact

In addition, pyrolysis—a thermochemical process that breaks down organic materials (such as biomass, plastics, or tires) at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen—will produce various beneficial by-products.

As cited by the PIO, some by-products of pyrolysis, such as carbon-rich substances, can serve as soil enhancers that improve fertility and increase crop yields.

“The Provincial Government of Isabela is advancing plans for a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility that will convert municipal solid waste into renewable electricity, helping address waste management challenges while strengthening long-term energy security,” the PLGU said through its information office.

At present, the PLGU said the search for a suitable location for the plant is ongoing.