PNOC, NEDA ink solar project deal

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) has teamed up with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to energize government facilities with solar power.

PNOC and NEDA Region IV-A recently signed a memorandum of agreement for the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which convert sunlight directly into electricity.

“PNOC’s role is to support the energy transition agenda of the Department of Energy, particularly promoting energy efficiency among government entities,” PNOC president and CEO Oliver Butalid said.

The installation of rooftop solar PV systems, he said, is among the services being provided by the state firm in addition to demand aggregation for retail electricity supply and smart air conditioning technology.

To start off with the new project, solar PV systems will be put up at the facilities of NEDA Region IV-A to save electricity costs.

“I hope this partnership is only the start of more partnerships not only in NEDA but to the whole of Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) as well,” NEDA Assistant Secretary Agnes Tolentino said.

The initiative, dubbed the RGB Project, is designed to provide government buildings with a full range of energy efficiency solutions.

It likewise aims to support the country’s goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in the power generation mix to 35 percent by 2030 and further to 50 percent by 2040.