The Philippines, like many other countries, faces challenges in managing its waste effectively. By implementing the strategies, set forth in the partnership between Triton Hydrogen Corporation and the local company Likhaan Agglomerates Inc., the country can work towards a more sustainable and efficient waste management system.
There are some insights into why the Philippines and some poor countries may struggle with effective waste management. Managing waste is a complex and multifaceted issue, and each country may have its unique challenges. Here are some common reasons:
1. Lack of Infrastructure: Many poor countries may lack the necessary infrastructure, such as waste collection systems, landfills, recycling facilities, and waste treatment plants. This often stems from limited financial resources and technical capabilities to develop and maintain such infrastructure.
2. Limited Financial Resources: Waste management requires significant financial investment, which may be difficult for poor countries with limited budgets. Other pressing priorities like healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation might take precedence over waste management.
3. Population Growth and Urbanization: Rapid population growth and unplanned urbanization can strain waste management systems. As cities expand, the generation of waste increases exponentially, overwhelming existing infrastructure.
4. Low Awareness and Education: Lack of awareness about proper waste disposal and recycling practices can lead to improper waste disposal, exacerbating the waste management challenge. Education and awareness campaigns are essential to promote responsible waste management behaviours.
5. Informal Waste Sector: In many poor countries, informal waste pickers and collectors play a significant role in recycling and waste management. However, this informal sector is often poorly regulated and may not be sufficient to handle the volume of waste generated. The rich countries have well established waste industry, with landfills, trucking, sorting and recycling facilities sub-contracted to the government.
6. Inadequate Governance and Policy: Weak or poorly enforced waste management policies and regulations can hinder effective waste management practices. Lack of political will from some elected officials can undermine efforts to implement and enforce sustainable waste management measures.
7. Limited International Support: Developed nations and international organizations often provide financial and technical support for waste management initiatives in developing countries. However, the level of support may not always be adequate or sustainable over the long term.
8. Resource Constraints: Waste management often requires resources such as skilled manpower, proper equipment, and waste collection vehicles. Poor countries may struggle to allocate and maintain these resources effectively.
9. Technological Barriers: Access to advanced waste management technologies and equipment may be limited in poor countries, making it challenging to adopt more efficient and environmentally friendly waste treatment methods.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, involving governments, NGOs, private sector, and international partners. Sustainable waste management strategies should be context-specific and consider the unique socio-economic and environmental factors of each country including the Philippines. In most countries waste management is part of government services. Investment in infrastructure, education, policy enforcement, and technology transfer can play a crucial role in improving waste management practices in poorer nations.
The Philippine waste management project is the first project of Triton Hydrogen Corporation in Asia using two patented technologies, a waste-to-hydrogen technology of Ways2H in the US and plastic waste to clean diesel technology of Five Elements Environmental Technology of India. Triton Hydrogen Corporation partnership with Ways2H uses Thermolysis technology to convert waste to hydrogen. This is a thermochemical process with value added products from producing clean hydrogen. The waste feedstock is heated at high temperature in the absence of oxygen to prevent the formation of CO2, producing H2 and solid carbon dioxide that can then be sold for profit, effectively offsetting the cost of hydrogen production. Carbon dioxide can be captured and combined with hydrogen to make e-fuels such as synthetic diesel or aviation fuel.
Another technology being used by Triton Hydrogen Corporation is a process called plastic pyrolysis patented by Five Elements Environmental Technology. Pyrolysis is a chemical decomposition process that involves heating the plastic waste in the absence of oxygen, leading to the breakdown of complex hydrocarbon molecules into simpler compounds. What is unique with THC/FEET technology is it can process mixed contaminated plastic waste without sorting and preparation. The shredded plastic waste is fed into a pyrolysis reactor. The process has heating and vaporization, condensation, fractional distillation, the process that helps to obtain various valuable products, including clean diesel. The refined diesel obtained from plastic pyrolysis can be used as a fuel for various applications, including transportation, power generation, or heating.
According to Shell, e-fuel requires a hydrogen-to-CO2 ratio of about 1:7 (by weight). Triton Hydrogen Corporation’s Oman and Philippine waste to hydrogen produce H2 at half the levelized cost of current green hydrogen production technologies, taking the cost even lower than current levels for low-carbon and grey hydrogen production. The modularized plant facility is very much lower costs than electrolysis plant and with renewable waste as feedstock. The cost of plastic waste recycling facility is much lower than waste-to-hydrogen plant including operational cost.
It's worth mentioning that there are other methods and technologies available for converting plastic waste into clean diesel, such as catalytic depolymerization, hydrothermal liquefaction, and solvent-based processes. The specific choice of technology depends on various factors, including the composition of the plastic waste, scale of operation, environmental considerations, and economic viability.
DONALD WINSOR
CEO, Triton Hydrogen Corporation
Victoria, BC, CANADA
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