Many plantations failed and overall the Philippine program would be judged to have been unsuccessful. For plantations that survive, yields and incomes are often less than expected. Factors contributing to the failure of these programs include actual yields that fell short of forecast yields, problems related to the difficulty and cost of forwarding and transport, irregularities in the administration of project funds, and, in some areas, problems related to peace and security. Additional problems are specifically related to the biomass powerplant projects. Although groups in the Philippines have generally shown little interest for renewed efforts to produce electricity from biomass, one private sector group is currently working toward the development and operation of 10 MW electric powerplants fueled by biomass.
Fuel supply is considered the most formidable hurdle.
The plants would be fueled by wood chips and it is estimated that each 10 MW plant would require approximately 155,000 tonnes of green wood chips annually. About 14,000 ha of marginal land would be needed to sustainably supply this fuel volume. The proponent proposes a five year crop rotation program, and desires a long-term fuel supply agreement with a supplier holding at least 30,000 ha under a DENR reforestation program. Fuel delivery would be the responsibility of the supplier. The proponent indicates that the key criteria in fuel supplier selection would be a track record in establishing and operating a tree plantation of at least 15,000 ha, and the financial resources to guarantee fuel supply.