The Department of Energy (DOE) has ordered the National Power Corp. (NPC) to stop procuring any more diesel generator sets as part of the weaning process and transit from dependence on fossil fuels.
Fernando Martin Roxas, NPC president and chief executive officer, said the task at hand is to fast-track the renewable energy (RE) program for the Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) plants to minimize the use of diesel generating sets following Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla’s directive.
At present, 278 SPUG plants operate nationwide, mostly in remote areas far removed from the main grid.
“We intend to push for hybridization for existing SPUGs and fully utilize renewable energy with storage systems for new areas. This will minimize losses incurred from rising fuel costs and will eventually make our operations more sustainable,” Roxas said.
He added the NPC will also deploy more solar home systems (SHS) and conduct wind resource assessments in areas for potential wind farms.
Last year, the NPC awarded contracts for the installation of 2,600 units of solar home systems in Maconacon and Divilacan in Isabela province as well as in various areas of Masbate, Bohol, Dinagat, Sulu and Basilan.
NPC said each solar home units include solar panels, batteries, LED lamps, radio and torch lamps with 5-volt charging ports that are distributed to unserved households in SPUG areas.
Roxas said the push for more RE operations by the NPC should help in lowering the generation cost of power in SPUG areas as well as minimize carbon emissions.
“My ultimate goal is to convert all SPUG areas to 100 percent RE operations. What is good for the environment is likewise good for NPC,” Roxas further said.
