Two Japanese agencies plans to install smart grid technology in the Philippines to help the country prevent power interruptions and blackouts.
Under the“Collaboration Program for Disseminating Japanese Technology for Electricity Distribution and System and Management in the Philippines,” the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Tokyo Electric Power Corporation (TEPCO) Power Grid launched a four-day seminar at the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to showcase TEPCO technologies and its affiliate TAKAOKO TOKO.
According to JICA, the Japanese technologies can help electric cooperatives improve their system reliability and resiliency to natural disasters given the country’s reputation of having an efficient energy sector.
The said technologies could be a basis where ECs could cope with the coming of mass renewable energy sources in the country.
Representatives from 92 ECs welcomed the technical assistance from JICA.
“As development partner of the Philippines, we recognize the crucial role of supporting reliable energy supply to help grow Philippine investments and overcome the vulnerability of the country. JICA’s development cooperation activities will continue to share Japanese expertise to address challenges that affect Philippine global competitiveness and long-term growth,” Tetsuya Yamada, JICA Senior Representative told Manila Bulletin.
Data from NEA showed that from 2015, the average EC customer experiences 13.71 power interruptions totaling 18 hours annually.
“Power interruptions disrupt economic activity and cause damage to equipment and appliances,” JICA noted.
JICA said that the Batangas II Electric Cooperative Inc. will be the first to use the Japanese technology.
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