RENEWABLE BIOMASS FUEL As 'GREEN POWER' ALTERNATIVE FOR SUGARCANE MILLING IN THE PHILIPPINES

The potentials of three renewable biomass types as 'Green Power' alternatives for sugarcane milling were evaluated: (1) baled sugarcane trash, (2) high-yielding perennial grass (ie, Napier grass), and (3) fast-growing tree species. The data shows that approximately 5.9% of energy used for boilers in sugar processing, provided by 365,000 barrels of imported bunker oil, can be displaced by 246,000 tonnes (at 26% moisture) of cane trash. This trash volume represents 50% of the 496,000 tonnes recoverable trash (low estimate), that can be harvested following the final ratoon crop in a 3-year cane planting-harvesting cycle. The cost of producing Napier grass was projected to be 7% higher than the cost of cane trash harvesting, mainly due to land lease cost for the crop. A purchase price equal to that of sugarcane trash (US$ 31.73/ tonne) will likely encourage farmers to plant Napier. The main concern with fastgrowing trees is the relatively longer period farmers would have to wait prior to receiving an economic return. Also, promoting wood biofuel use can contribute to further deforestation problems in the Philippines. Sugar refineries have been cited as a major cause of deforestation in the past. Overall, the economic, environmental and social implications of utilizing cane trash in the final ratoon crop year as a substitute for bunker oil appears most promising in the Philippine sugarcane industry. Positive socio-economic impacts include the provision of rural employment and the minimization of oil imports. It can also develop the expertise necessary to create a renewable and reliable 'Green Power' supply for year-round power generation. Investment in the research and development of these technologies is essential to create an effective biomass utilization system for the future.