Int’l energy body releases study promoting access to electricity in Phl

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has released a study that will promote better access to basic electricity services in the Philippines with the government’s thrust toward total electrification.

The study, titled “Accelerating the Deployment of Renewable Energy Mini-Grids for Off-Grid Electrification- A Study on the Philippines,” was received by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi during the concluding ceremonies of the 35th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM).

Cusi said the IRENA study supports the country’s total electrification goal for Filipino families to enjoy equal opportunity to access basic electricity services.

“Electrification of households, particularly in the rural areas, remains a big challenge for us. Thus, we have to take advantage of this study to bridge the residual gaps in our electrification efforts,” he said.

The study entailed a documentary review, focus group discussions and field studies in four sites, which resulted in several key recommendations to accelerate the deployment of energy mini-grids via renewable energy and other emerging technologies for off-grid electrification in the Philippines.

IRENA came up with five key recommendations in the study. It said the Philippines should define roles and responsibilities to remove overlapping roles, functions and accountabilities to acknowledge stakeholders’ roles and to define privatesector boundaries.

The country was also told to undertake comprehensive and strategic planning for to- tal electrification, missionary electrification development, stronger coordination among relevant agencies, grid and off-grid development efforts, and resource utilization, especially renewable energy.

To promote setting up of micro-grids, IRENA said the government should establish a clear policy approach for mini-grids to introduce a graduation policy for the universal charge for missionary electrification entitlement.

The international agency also suggested to revise regulatory approach for mini-grid projects to remove existing barriers and facilitate smooth entry in the market by streamlining processes, updating procurement rules and improving tariff determination procedures.

Lastly, IRENA said the Philippines should increase project development and execution support for more accessible financing, and promotion and understanding of renewable energy by all stakeholders.

IRENA is an intergovernmental organization that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves as the principal platform for international co-operation, a center of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy.

The international agency also promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind energy, in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and lowcarbon economic growth and prosperity.