The local government of Quezon City recently linked up with a consortium led by the Metro Pacific Investments Corp (MPIC), Covanta Energy, LLC and Macquarie Group Ltd. to build an integrated solid waste management facility (ISWM). The facility will be capable of processing up to 3,000 metric tons per day of the city’s municipal solid waste, and convert this into some 42MWe of renewable energy, enough to power between 60,000 to 90,000 homes. The project will be undertaken through a joint venture between city hall and the consortium in accordance with QC LGU ordinance SP-2336, s. 2014 (QC PPP code). Shown in photo are Jose Ma. K. Lim, president and chief executive officer of MPIC, and QC Mayor Herbert Bautista, both of whom signed the joint certification of successful negotiations. The project will undergo a competitive challenge, consistent with government regulations, wherein the original proponent of the project will have the right to match bids. “The increased volume of solid waste as a result of economic growth, with a lack of sustainable options for managing waste, has become a major challenge for local governments”, explained Lim. “Our proposed facility provides an environmentally beneficial solution to these challenges.”