Verta Bioenergy expands biomass production to meet growing demand

Singapore-based Verta Bioenergy Pte. Ltd. is increasing its production of clean industrial fuel in Southeast Asia by turning agricultural and livestock waste into biomass pellets, responding to the rising need for sustainable energy solutions.

The startup collects materials such as rice husks, chicken manure and coconut shells from farms, converting them into pellets with its own specialised drying and blending technology.

“We ensure all required certifications and safety approvals are in place,” CEO Jeremy Tan told Singapore Business Review.

Verta supplies its biofuel to various industries in the Philippines - including food and beverage, cement, paper and power - as a direct replacement for coal that requires no additional infrastructure.

“By developing fuel from locally available agricultural waste, we provide a drop-in solution so customers do not need to invest in new equipment,” said Chief Operating Officer and co-founder Timothy Khor.

The company has raised over $1.1 million (€946,000) from investors including French energy group Engie SA, Singaporean venture capital firms Wright Partners Ventures Pte. Ltd. and Alpha Gen Venture Capital Pte. Ltd., as well as an angel investor from the Manila Angel Investors Network, Inc.

Tan confirmed that Verta has secured letters of intent and early orders from major Philippine firms such as Universal Robina Corp. and Monde Nissin Corp., as businesses increasingly pursue decarbonisation. He noted that most coal alternatives remain either costly or difficult to scale.

Verta plans to expand production via its own facilities and strategic partnerships. Khor explained that the company is also rolling out its patent-pending drying technology at centralised waste collection hubs close to farms, improving efficiency.

By investing in research, development and system integration, Verta aims to process challenging waste streams into cost-effective fuel at scale.

“Our proprietary technology and strong farm partnerships give us a competitive edge that is hard to duplicate,” Tan said.

Khor emphasised that community engagement continues to be a core part of the company’s operations. “Our team is closely connected with the local community,” he added.