OrbitFuel

"One of the most significant advantages of using clean-burning cooking fuels is the positive impact on indoor air quality. Traditional fuels, such as wood or coal, can release harmful pollutants, including carbon monoxide and particulate matter. These emissions can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly."

The Hidden Benefits of Switching to Cleaner, Greener Cooking Fuels As we become more conscious of our environmental impact, the shift towards cleaner, greener cooking fuels is gaining momentum. While the…

[STORY TIME] Our journey in renewable energy started with algae-based fuel research in 2019, driven by a vision to harness the potential of "lumot" (algae) for sustainable energy solutions in heavy industries like aerospace and transportation. We forged a collaboration with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) to explore algae's untapped potential. That same year, we expanded our research to other waste materials and partnered with SGS, a renowned testing laboratory, to validate our findings.

As 2020 dawned, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains, hindering our ability to procure essential materials and transport them efficiently. Public transportation, a crucial aspect of our research, faced significant limitations. Despite these challenges, we persevered, successfully prototyping a smaller machine (with few leaks, lol) that could convert waste food oil into affordable renewable fuel.

The pandemic also forced us to halt our algae research, as we lost access to PUP's laboratories. Undeterred, we continued our experiments with different engines and fuel mixtures, seeking alternative solutions to our renewable energy goals.

In late 2022, we rekindled our efforts to introduce waste-derived fuel to the Filipino public, particularly the public transport sector and its commuters. The initial scale-up phase proved successful with few learnings, capturing the attention of environmentally and financially conscious "Mamang Tsuper" (Filipino public transport drivers). I personally dedicated my efforts to preventing the nationwide traditional jeepney phase-out, a move that could have adversely impacted the livelihoods of many Filipino drivers.

Through our interactions with Mamang Tsuper as well as commuting with the public, I formed deep connections with my fellow countrymen, an experience that resonated with the legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal, my favorite national hero who championed systems thinking, social justice, and empowerment.

Yesterday marked the official commencement of "Scale-up 2" for our fuel research initiative. This phase will introduce more advanced tanks and methods to streamline operations and enhance fuel quality. Our ultimate goal is to produce extremely affordable green fuel options that will support our nation's transition to a more renewable future, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

At OrbitX, our aspirations soar beyond rockets and other Filipino-made technologies. Despite the hurdles of limited resources, lack of frameworks, and unforeseen obstacles, we remain steadfast in our commitment to continuous research and development, ensuring that no one is left behind in our pursuit of an advanced, sustainable, and equitable future for all Filipinos.

- DPBJr.