The Department of Energy (DOE) has confirmed on Thursday that the European Union (EU) agreed to co-finance seven renewable projects that would electrify around 40,000 households in remote areas in the Philippines.
“Our goal is to provide electricity throughout the entire archipelago by 2020. These projects will bring more progress in Mindanao as thousands of Filipino families, particularly those living in far-flung areas of the region, will have access to power,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.
Energy assistant secretary Redentor Delola, EU head of development cooperation Enrico Strampelli, and Mindanao Development Authority Undersecretary Janet Lopoz led the launching of the renewable energy projects.
The respective contracts were signed on Dec. 13 last year right after the Access to Sustainable Energy Programme implementation period, Strampelli said.
“Over the next three years, ASEP will continue to work with the DOE in improving the lives of vulnerable communities in the country,” he said
The EU will give 21 million euros to co-finance up to 80 percent of the projects which involve energy investments in several areas.
The investments include hybridization and income-generating activities through the introduction of productive uses of electricity; innovative provision of basic electricity supply and services for poor, disadvantaged areas; electrification for livelihood generation through the solar photovoltaic home system in the Bangsamoro area; support to decentralized and mini grids; capacity building on rural electrification; energy efficiency measures; and renewable energy management.
Strengthening Off-grid Lighting with Appropriate Renewable Energy Solutions is included in the seven projects. It would also grant 5 million euros to Mahintana Foundation Inc.
Through Provision of Sustainable Energy, the Improving the Lives of People in Off-Grid Communities in Mindanao gave 4.5 million euros to Yamog Organization. SolarBnb Microhotel & Island Livelihood Energizer-Platform contributed 3.9 million euros to Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas or WWF Philippines.
Aside from that, the EU gave a 4.2-million-euro grant to United Nations Industrial Development Organization for its renewable energy technology for seaweed value added in Tawi-Tawi projects and 3.7 million-grant to People in Need for its Renewable Energy Access for off-grid Communities and Households.
