ADB completes switch to renewable energy

Business World Online

Posted on February 27, 2014 09:34:28 PM

THE HEADQUARTERS of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Mandaluyong City is now fully powered by renewable energy, following the signing of a deal with a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corp. (AboitizPower).

ADB, in a statement posted on its Web site yesterday, said it had inked a geothermal power supply agreement with AdventEnergy, Inc., a licensed retail electricity supplier of AboitizPower.

"The headquarters is now powered by 100% renewable energy generated by geothermal plants in Tiwi in Albay province and Makiling-Banahaw in Laguna province, both of which are on the main Philippine island of Luzon, in addition to existing on-site solar power generation," the statement read.

ADB Vice-President Bruce Davis said in the same statement that the agreement would allow ADB to cut its annual carbon footprint by nearly 50%, equivalent to a reduction of 9,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

"As an institution, we are strongly committed to expanding the use of renewable energy across Asia and the Pacific, so it is only fitting that we walk the talk in our own headquarters," Mr. Davis said.

The ADB further said that the contract provides that the bank will purchase an average of 1.5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity every month.

"This will be supplemented by about 50,000 kWh generated monthly from ADB’s rooftop solar panels," the ADB noted.

The two sources will meet the entire energy requirements of the ADB office here in the Philippines, where some 2,600 staff and consultants work every day.

While securing a supply deal with AdventEnergy would mean that ADB will no longer purchase electricity directly from Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the bank will still use the utility’s distribution system, according to the statement.

"The move follows ADB’s decision to take advantage of electricity reforms in the Philippines which allow large users to choose their power supplier," the ADB said.

"The contract with AdventEnergy followed a competitive bidding process. It was selected as it was the only one to offer a large portion of its electricity generated from renewable sources," it added.

The ADB said the ceremonial switch to renewable power is part of ADB’s No Impact Week, which encourages changes in work and personal lifestyle to reduce carbon footprint and environmental impact. -- Claire-Ann Marie C. Feliciano   source