EU dangles diesel-solar hybrid system for PH ‘unviable areas’

By Myrna M.Velasco – June 22, 2018, 10:48 PM
from Manila Bulletin

To give much-needed shot in the arm for the energy access of far-flung as well as the so-called ‘unviable areas’ in the Philippines, the European Union (EU) is dangling hybrid system as a technology solution to the energization of such domains.

This has been the focal point of attention that the EU had set forth with the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) in terms of providing energy services and facilities to its power under-served areas.

This is also in keeping with the EU-backed Access to Sustainable Energy Program (ASEP), wherein the EU has been aiding the Philippines craft its “strategies to improve the operational efficiency of diesel power plants and techniques for hybridization with solar photovoltaic technology.”

With hybrid system, the EU explained that energy access to these jurisdictions may gain headway with the rollout of diesel-solar combination of technologies – that way, it could still be a round-the-clock solution when the sun is not up.

And with solar technology taking a part of that energy solution, it has been noted that the country would also be able to pare its carbon footprints.

“Through the concept of hybridization, energy access to remote, unviable and underserved communities is sustained,” the EU has noted in a statement to the media.

It added that “the operation of diesel power plants is improved through energy efficiency and renewable energy utilization, ensuring energy security in small islands nationwide.”

These strategies for remote and unviable areas, the EU said, “are based on the findings of two technical studies on diesel power plants now widely used in rural electrification in the Philippines.”

Additionally, the study outcome “will explain the decision-making process that determines the proper role of diesel power and renewable energy options in off-grid electrification.”

In turn, with its ASEP involvement in the Philippines, EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen noted that the European bloc could also push forward on its long-term goal to “cut its emissions by 80-95% compared to the 1990 levels.” The EU’s short term target of 20-percent is targeted for year 2020.

As cast under EU’s strategy, the target may be achieved by two key approaches: a shift to renewable energy, such as solar, wind and biomass for electricity generation; and an increase in the energy efficiency in buildings, industries and transport.”