Basic Energy, Total tie up for e-transport

MANILA, Philippines — Basic Energy Corp. (BEC) has tied up with French-multinational oil company Total and independent players such as EcoOil and Filpride-USA88 for its initial solarization and e-transport project.

As part of its Green Energy E-Transport Project, BEC COO Luisito Poblete envisioned the solarization of 1,500 retail stations coupled with complementary operation of 3,000 electric buses (e-buses).

Under the project the company is installing solar panels in the gas stations where energy could be stored in power storage and charging facilities that will power up e-buses.

Initially, the company is spending P40 million to put up solar projects in 30 gas stations and operate around 60 e-buses with an allotted budget of P40 million.

“Several oil companies have already expressed interest in the project and have agreed to proceed with further discussions on the terms and conditions of the joint venture, determine prospective sites, proceed with pilot installations and commence feasibility studies and data gathering,” the company said, noting these oil companies include Total Philippines, EcoOil and Filpride-USA88.

BEC said that the project is its ambitious endeavor in pursuit of its vision to become a major instrument in the country’s drive for energy self-sufficiency by providing clean, efficient, and reliable energy sources.

“This is also seen to align with the Philippines’ push to introduce the use and advocacy of e-vehicles and e-transport systems to lessen the country’s carbon footprint and promote the protection of the environment,” it added.

Meanwhile, BEC’s special purpose vehicle, Mabini Energy Corp. (MEC), has started conducting a wind resource assessment (WRA) for its wind project in Mabini, Batangas.

The firm said the design and engineering of the meteorological mast (met-mast) is now undergoing review by engineers engaged by MEC.

“The prospective site for the installation of the met-mast has also been identified, and efforts are ongoing to secure the necessary permits and licenses from the local government units of Mabini,” BEC said.

The company allocated an initial budget of around P31 million for the WRA campaign, permits and licenses and ancillary activities, such as grid connection assessment and road access studies, which are in varying stages of discussion.

“BEC looks forward to the results of the WRA as this would support and lend further credence to the viability of the project that would attract interested partners and investors,” it said.