SANTA CRUZ, Laguna (PIA) – A private firm known for developing waste-to-energy projects has expressed interest in putting up two such facilities in Laguna.

Michael Jimenez, president and chief executive officer of Integrated Green Technology Visayas Inc., said his company is eyeing to invest from P12 billion to P57 billion to put up two large-scale plants that will service all cities and towns of Laguna.

Jimenez presented his proposal to the Provincial Solid Waste Management Board (PSWMB) during its meeting on June 20 at the Governor’s Executive Meeting Room, Provincial Capitol in Santa Cruz, Laguna.

“These facilities can turn 50 tons of waste into 1 megawatt of power, which results to cheaper power alternatives and less garbage being disposed in dumpsites,” he said.

The only equity from the province is a usufruct agreement with the local government unit for the use of land for up to 50 years. The plants are expected to be built sometime August or September this year upon completion of requirements.

The company assured that its technology leads to less landfills and open dumpsites, eliminates odor and smell as waste are secured and vacuum-sealed, while waste water is converted to clean water.

Jimenez assured the communities that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will certify the facilities as to its compliance with environmental standards.

“The facility tests its emission levels every 9 minutes,” he added.

The project can also generate employment since up to 80% of workers needed for the plant’s operation will come directly from the LGU, Jimenez said.

Similar plants were initiated in the provinces of Cebu and Pangasinan and were expected for completion last year. (CH/PIA-Laguna)