Central Azucarera de Tarlac Inc. (CAT) is a Philippine-based company that has been in the sugar industry for over 90 years. The company has been a major contributor to the Philippine economy and has played a significant role in the development of the country's sugar industry. Over the years, CAT has diversified its business and has ventured into renewable energy projects, particularly in the biomass and biofuels sectors.

Biomass & Waste Sector

CAT has been actively involved in the development of biomass and waste-to-energy projects. Biomass is a renewable energy source that is derived from organic matter, such as agricultural waste, forestry residues, and municipal solid waste. CAT has been using sugarcane bagasse, a by-product of the sugar milling process, as a fuel for its cogeneration power plant. The plant generates electricity for the company's operations and excess power is sold to the grid. The use of sugarcane bagasse as a fuel reduces the company's reliance on fossil fuels and helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to using sugarcane bagasse as a fuel, CAT has also been exploring the use of other biomass sources. The company has been conducting research on the use of agricultural waste, such as rice husks and corn cobs, as a fuel for its cogeneration power plant. The use of these biomass sources can help to reduce waste and provide an additional source of revenue for farmers.

CAT has also been exploring the use of waste-to-energy technologies. The company has been working with local governments to develop waste-to-energy projects that can convert municipal solid waste into electricity. The use of waste-to-energy technologies can help to reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfills and can provide an additional source of renewable energy.

Biofuels Sector

CAT has also been involved in the production of biofuels, particularly ethanol. Ethanol is a renewable fuel that is derived from sugarcane. The company has been producing ethanol for over 30 years and has been a major contributor to the Philippine biofuels industry. The use of ethanol as a fuel can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and can provide an alternative to fossil fuels.

CAT has been working to expand its ethanol production capacity. The company has been investing in new equipment and technology to increase its production efficiency and reduce its environmental impact. CAT has also been exploring the use of other feedstocks, such as cassava and sweet sorghum, to produce ethanol. The use of these feedstocks can help to diversify the company's revenue streams and provide an additional source of income for farmers.

CAT has also been working to promote the use of biofuels in the Philippines. The company has been advocating for the implementation of the Biofuels Act of 2006, which mandates the use of biofuels in the country. CAT has been working with the government and other stakeholders to develop policies and programs that can support the growth of the biofuels industry in the Philippines.

Conclusion

Central Azucarera de Tarlac Inc. is a Philippine-based company that has been in the sugar industry for over 90 years. The company has diversified its business and has ventured into renewable energy projects, particularly in the biomass and biofuels sectors. CAT has been actively involved in the development of biomass and waste-to-energy projects, using sugarcane bagasse as a fuel for its cogeneration power plant and exploring the use of other biomass sources. The company has also been involved in the production of ethanol and has been working to expand its production capacity and promote the use of biofuels in the Philippines. CAT's renewable energy projects are helping to reduce the company's reliance on fossil fuels and are contributing to the development of a more sustainable energy system in the Philippines.