The provincial government of Northern Samar is in talks with renewable energy firm Berde Renewables Inc. for a potential partnership aimed at improving electricity supply, especially in the province’s remote island communities, PNA reports.

The proposal involves deploying stand-alone solar power systems designed to meet the specific energy demands of host areas. The initiative has also been endorsed by the Northern Samar Electric Cooperative (Norsamelco), which sees the project as a viable solution to the province’s long-standing electricity issues.

“For years, Northern Samar has grappled with persistent electricity concerns, particularly in its island municipalities, where power supply remains unstable,” the provincial government said in a statement. “In response to this pressing issue, the provincial government has taken bold measures, like partnering with renewable energy developers for a possible public-private partnership on microgrids in island communities.”

Governor Harris Ongchuan recently held discussions with Patrick Zhu, co-founder and president of Berde Renewables, to negotiate a potential partnership. Under the preliminary agreement, Berde would handle green energy production and distribution, as well as the installation, maintenance, and operational needs of the systems. In return, the provincial government pledged to support the project by facilitating permitting, due diligence, and other administrative tasks, while also agreeing to act as the project’s off-taker.

To address challenges posed by Northern Samar’s frequent rainfall, Norsamelco has pledged to supply supplemental energy in the event of reduced solar output.

The provincial government currently subsidizes as much as PHP20 per kilowatt-hour in off-grid areas to ensure reliable power and ease the financial burden on consumers. Officials said the partnership with Berde showcases their broader efforts to pursue sustainable and inclusive development while supporting the national government’s push for green energy.

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