MANILA, Philippines — The European Union (EU) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are pushing for hybrid power projects in off-grid areas in the country.
This is part of their commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions, address the issue of climate change, and facilitate the provision of sustainable and resilient energy services and facilities especially in off-grid areas in the country.
Energy access to remote, unviable, and underserved communities can be sustained through the concept of hybridization under Access to Sustainable Energy Program (ASEP), the joint undertaking of EU and DOE.
The operation of diesel power plants is improved through energy efficiency and renewable energy utilization, ensuring energy security in small islands nationwide.
EU Ambassador Franz Jessen said the long-term goal of EU countries and member-states is to cut emissions by 80 to 95 percent, while the short-term target of 20 percent is aimed for 2020.
He said this would be achieved by shifting to renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and biomass for electricity generation, and increasing the energy efficiency in buildings, industries, and transport.
“The ASEP is a joint undertaking of the DOE and the EU that is committed to the goals of total electrification, energy security, energy efficiency and sustainability in the Philippines.
Through the joint undertaking, the Philippines will be assisted in expanding sustainable energy generation to meet growing economic needs and provide energy access to the poor and marginalized sector in accordance with the Philippine Development Plan.
The EU has allocated around 190 million euros from its cooperation budget of 325 million euros for job creation including renewable energy development from 2014 to 2020.