Renewable energy eyed for off-grid areas in PH

Manila Times.net

Written by Madelaine B. Miraflor   Published on 19 November 2012

The National Power Corp. (Napocor) and PNOC Renewables Corp. (PNOC-RC) are set to sign a memorandum of understanding as they eye several off- grid areas in the country for the possible adaptation of renewable energy (RE) technologies.

“I think we are going to sit down with them [PNOC-RC] soon to sign a memorandum of agreement on that [the possible adaptation of RE technologies in the off grid areas],” Napocor President Froilan Tampinco said.

He also told reporters that they will go mainly into 14 areas which are more of exploratory areas.

“Sa Bantayan and Masbate medyo may success stories already. Mindoro at Palawan marami nang initiatives [We have some success stories in Bantayan and Masbate, while in Mindoro and Palawan, there were some initiatives done],” Tampico said.

“The big challenge of course is the area down south, yung sa [that of the] ARMM region. Yun ang medyo mabigat na challenge. [That is the quite heavy challenge] In the Visayas, we got Romblon, Catanduanes, Siquijor also,” he added.

As for the auction for the off grid areas, Tampinco said that they are still will waiting for the issuance of latest Department of Energy circular, which may be issued within this year since it’s on its final draft, with DOE’s comments from attached agencies.

“In that circular, NPC [National Power Corp.] will be performing a much more active role in these whole process but we want that to come out first before we actively involve ourselves in it,” Tampinco said.

If ever the circular is outy, Tampinco said that they may partner with private entities.

“They can come in with their technology and equity and we can come in with the markets. We are officially the one to file for the grant of the subsidies,” he said.

He also said that the basic principle that they are following is that any RE technology that will enter into the off-grid island area should translate into a cost of generation that will ultimately reduce the existing subsidies.    source