US firm, Bohol cooperative to put up RP's first plastic solar technology

MANILA, Philippines - US-based Renewable Energy Development Corp. (REDCO) and Bohol Electric Cooperative I (Boheco I) are planning to put up the first plastic-based solar technology in the country.

Boheco I general manager Carlos Itable told reporters that REDCO expressed interest in putting up an initial one megawatt (MW) solar thermal power plant that would be powered by plastic-based solar panel technology.

Itable said the capacity of the plant could be expanded to up to five MW.

He said they are currently evaluating the proposal and, if workable, the facility will be completed by April 2011.

The technology that REDCO plans to carry out with Boheco I will involve the use of plastic-based technology that magnifies the sun’s rays to concentrate heat on boilers. Steam produced from the boilers will then be used to fire up turbines that generate electricity.

Itable explained that this technology is somewhat unique since it does not use conventional solar power technology that utilizes photovoltaic technology wherein solar cells convert the sun’s rays directly into electricity.

This is the first time this technology will be used in the Philippines and in Asia, he said, adding this will also be the first time Boheco will use solar technology as it currently sources power from diesel and hydro facilities.

“It will be the best alternative when there is drought and we cannot use hydro power, and since diesel power plants would be expensive,” he said.

The Boheco official said they hope to produce cheaper power from this technology as it utilizes patented technology on cheap plastics.

For each megawatt, the company would need at most 2.5 hectares of land.

REDCO has numerous projects in its portfolio  that range from less than one MW to over 100 MW.  All of REDCO’s existing projects are located in the western United States, spanning from Texas to California.

REDCO is a developer of renewable energy projects and is continuously seeking new projects to add to its growing portfolio. REDCO has two divisions focusing on community energy and commercial energy.  

“As developers, we are not tied to any one technology, but seek to utilize the best most cost-effective tools for each of our projects. As the natural landscape of every locale is different, we carefully analyze each project to determine the best technology for each project,” REDCO said.

Boheco will tap government financial institutions for funding this project if it decides to push through with it.