Brisbane technology for waste-to-energy plant in Manila

Brisbane-based technology start-up Cyclion has signed a partnership with the National Development Company (NDC), a state-owned enterprise in the Philippines.

The agreement will see Cyclion starting construction on a waste-to-energy plant by the end of 2024 that can process 50 tonnes of materials every day. After this plant is finished, the company plans to establish a $150m recycling plant in Manila, which will be able to process 900 tonnes of waste every day once fully operational. It is set to begin construction in 2025.

Cyclion’s technology uses proprietary catalysts designed to convert mixed waste materials such as plastics and organic waste into energy using a technology known as the ‘Cyclion Catalytic Fluid’ (CCF) method.

The process liquefies plastics and organic rubbish without pre-treatment to convert it into fuel or electricity. The technology doesn’t burn the rubbish, but rather soaks it in the catalyst, enabling the liquefaction to occur at the relatively low temperature of 310°C and atmospheric pressure.

The system works like a washing machine, taking mixed waste and running it through various catalytic cycles. At each cycle, the waste is liquefied and degraded until all that’s left is inorganic matter — solid glass or metals — that can be separated and recovered. What’s been degraded becomes an oil that can be further processed as fuel or used to generate electricity.

“We are very fortunate to be partnered with the NDC and this partnership is a big step to fulfilling our vision of taking household rubbish and converting it into energy in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner,” said Philip Major, Founder and CEO of Cyclion. “The partnership will utilise our proprietary catalysts and processing technology to tackle a global issue and we’re thrilled to have partnered with an organisation that shares our vision and belief in technology being good for the planet as well as profits.”

In line with the partnership agreement with the NDC, Cyclion has launched an equity crowdfunding campaign on Birchal.