Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Solar power as RP’s alternative energy source eyed
|
Power Vegetables In A Drink |
|
CEBU CITY (PNA) – Solar power may well be the Philippines’ greatest potential alternative energy source as the country has plenty of sunshine all year round.
Solar power is now being used in massive rural electrification projects, according to a report of the Linthicum, Maryland, USA-based BP Solar, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of photovoltaic (PV) or solar electricity products and systems.
BP Solar operates manufacturing plants in the US, Australia, Spain, United Kingdom, and France and has joint ventures in India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand and Indonesia.
It also sells solar products in over 150 countries.
BP Solar and the Spanish and Philippine governments have agreed to bring solar power to 150 isolated villages in the Philippines.
The project will be implemented in two phases by the Department of Agrarian Reform with funds coming from the Spanish government. The solar energy project is the largest ever in the country, involving a contract worth $48 million.
The first phase of the project will focus on 35 Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) in Mindanao.
BP Solar uses solar power in around 70 villages to power: 5,500 home lighting systems; 25 irrigation systems; 97 potable water and distribution systems; 68 schools, 68 community centers, 35 health clinics and 100 communal lights; 35 new AC power supply systems for income generation purposes; and social preparation, community development and training for 200 community organizations.
The second phase provides an additional 44 ARCs with: 9,500 home lighting systems; 44 irrigation systems; 79 schools, 80 community centers, 35 health clinics and 100 communal lights; 44 AC power supply systems for income generation purposes; project management and installation of 442 packaged solar systems; and social preparation, community development and training for 220 community organizations.
Harry Shimp, BP Solar, president and CEO, said in the world’s most isolated areas, use of solar power is often the most cost effective way of supplying basic, essential needs such as lighting, and for water pumping, irrigation and refrigeration for vaccines and medications.
BP Solar has completed a $30-million rural electrification project in the Philippines and a similar $30-million project in Indonesia.
The firm and the government of Australia have also partnered with the Philippines to supply solar power to rural villages, bringing 1,145 solar-powered systems to 52 new municipalities.
Solar energy uses PV cells which convert sunlight to electricity, bypassing thermodynamic cycles and mechanical generators.
PV stands for photo (light) and voltaic (electricity), whereby sunlight photons free electrons from common silicon.
The use of PV cells was first discovered in the 18th century.
The photovoltaic cells were developed at Bell Labs in 1950 primarily for space applications.
The Hubble telescope uses solar panels for its energy requirements.
Considering that the Philippines has sunlight the whole year round, solar power is considered most ideal for generating electricity.
Since technology on solar power has become so advanced in recent years, more rural projects using solar energy have been recommended.
The Department of Energy has reported that the country has been relying heavily on crude oil, natural gas, coal, and geothermal power for its energy needs.
MANUEL S. SATORRE, JR., September 12, 2004, Manila Bulletin
Proceed to Best of Pinoys
Solar power is now being used in massive rural electrification projects, according to a report of the Linthicum, Maryland, USA-based BP Solar, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of photovoltaic (PV) or solar electricity products and systems.
BP Solar operates manufacturing plants in the US, Australia, Spain, United Kingdom, and France and has joint ventures in India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand and Indonesia.
It also sells solar products in over 150 countries.
BP Solar and the Spanish and Philippine governments have agreed to bring solar power to 150 isolated villages in the Philippines.
The project will be implemented in two phases by the Department of Agrarian Reform with funds coming from the Spanish government. The solar energy project is the largest ever in the country, involving a contract worth $48 million.
The first phase of the project will focus on 35 Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) in Mindanao.
BP Solar uses solar power in around 70 villages to power: 5,500 home lighting systems; 25 irrigation systems; 97 potable water and distribution systems; 68 schools, 68 community centers, 35 health clinics and 100 communal lights; 35 new AC power supply systems for income generation purposes; and social preparation, community development and training for 200 community organizations.
The second phase provides an additional 44 ARCs with: 9,500 home lighting systems; 44 irrigation systems; 79 schools, 80 community centers, 35 health clinics and 100 communal lights; 44 AC power supply systems for income generation purposes; project management and installation of 442 packaged solar systems; and social preparation, community development and training for 220 community organizations.
Harry Shimp, BP Solar, president and CEO, said in the world’s most isolated areas, use of solar power is often the most cost effective way of supplying basic, essential needs such as lighting, and for water pumping, irrigation and refrigeration for vaccines and medications.
BP Solar has completed a $30-million rural electrification project in the Philippines and a similar $30-million project in Indonesia.
The firm and the government of Australia have also partnered with the Philippines to supply solar power to rural villages, bringing 1,145 solar-powered systems to 52 new municipalities.
Solar energy uses PV cells which convert sunlight to electricity, bypassing thermodynamic cycles and mechanical generators.
PV stands for photo (light) and voltaic (electricity), whereby sunlight photons free electrons from common silicon.
The use of PV cells was first discovered in the 18th century.
The photovoltaic cells were developed at Bell Labs in 1950 primarily for space applications.
The Hubble telescope uses solar panels for its energy requirements.
Considering that the Philippines has sunlight the whole year round, solar power is considered most ideal for generating electricity.
Since technology on solar power has become so advanced in recent years, more rural projects using solar energy have been recommended.
The Department of Energy has reported that the country has been relying heavily on crude oil, natural gas, coal, and geothermal power for its energy needs.
MANUEL S. SATORRE, JR., September 12, 2004, Manila Bulletin
Proceed to Best of Pinoys
Proceed now to Philippine Newspapers | Famous Entrepreneurs | Global Warming News | Home Shopping Online
Business Marketing by Aredconsult
 |
 |
 |
Business Marketing by Aredconsult
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]
