Potentials of agricultural and agro-industrial crop residues for the displacement of fossil fuels: A Philippine context

Abstract

Crop residues can be utilized as raw material or feedstock in the production of bioenergy or biofuels. Utilizing such resources may avoid, food security issues, environmental concerns and limitations owing to local geography, technology & economics. Every country has its unique set of crop residues that could be utilized for generation of biofuels or bioenergy. In the Philippines, major crop residues include those generated during the harvesting and processing of sugarcane, paddy rice, coconut, and maize. These crop residues as feedstock for biofuel and bioenergy production have previously been shown to positively impact the environment. This work is a retrospective review of the available crop residues in the Philippines. Their potentials in displacing fossil fuels like that of coal, gasoline, diesel, and natural gas were estimated and assessed. Regulations on the blending of bio-ethanol and bio-diesel in gasoline and diesel, respectively, were also reviewed. Practical and realistic means of meeting the biofuel mandates are tackled. Local policies related to the use of renewable energy specifically on biofuels are also discussed. Keywords: Agricultural, Agro-industrial, Biomass residues, Biofuel, Fossil fuel