TeaM Energy project proves solar’s viability in off-grid electrification

Manila Bulletin
By MYRNA M. VELASCO
December 14, 2011, 2:37am


MANILA, Philippines — The deployment of solar home systems (SHS) in an island in Quezon province has proven the technology’s viability as a solution to providing electricity in practically-inaccessible areas.


Through the partnerships among TeaM Energy Foundation Inc. (TEFI), the Department of Energy and Quezon II Electric Cooperative, approximately 3,400 households along the Polillo group of islands in Quezon were able to continuously enjoy the benefits of having electricity.


TeaM Energy president and chief executive officer Federico E. Puno has reiterated his company’s support to “the government’s effort to improve the lives of Filipinos by helping energize the most remote barangays in our country.”


The installation of solar power as technology solution for the energy needs of remote areas was started by the company in 2010.


The use of the technology is also very much aligned with the agenda being advocated by Energy Secretary Rene D. Almendras – wherein he constantly articulates that solar rightfully has its place in off-grid areas.


The solar home systems hold the promise that they can be worthy alternative to the traditional gensets which used to power the areas in the Polillo island-group. It has been emphasized that the diesel-fired gensets have turned unsustainable given the rising cost of fuel; and at times, they are also being stricken with unreliability.


In fact, in the global energy agenda, it is ‘energy access’ that is being highlighted among the key areas that must be given attention to by policymakers to truly bring energy security notch higher in every country. That will be in addition to ensuring supply and affordability of energy prices.


It must be noted that it has also been TeaM Energy’s precursor company which made possible the electrification of most barangays in the country, through previous collaborative projects with the energy department.


TEFI, which is the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of TeaM Energy explained that it utilized “a substantial grant from the DoE” into completing the energization initiatives in three municipalities in Polilio island, chiefly in Burdeos, Panukulan and Patnungan.


“These systems are facilitated and managed by Renewable Energy and Community Development Associations formed prior to the introduction of the solar energy systems in the area,” the company added.


To complete the loop, TEFI emphasized that it will have to accomplish further the electrification of four more barangays in Burdeos town: Bonifacio, Rizal, Carlagan and Mabini; and another barangay in Patnungan, which is Amaga.


“These barangays are considered among the most inaccessible places in the country, especially during the wet months when giant waves pummel motorized outrigger boats that are the only means of transport to connect them to the Quezon mainland,” TEFI has noted.