THE European Union (EU) on Thursday contributed €21 million (about P1.26 billion) in grants that will bankroll clean energy projects in the regions estimated to provide power to thousands of households.
The EU signed seven projects with various institutions and civil society groups for the implementation of projects that intends to supply clean energy to 40,000 households across the country. These projects, with a total cost of €27.3 million (about P1.637 billion at current exchange rates), are part of EU’s contribution to the government in achieving 100-percent electrification by 2020.
Mahintana-Solar Home Systems was awarded €5 million for the strengthening of off-grid lighting with renewable-energy solutions in the poor areas of Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao. It will provide power to at least 5,000 households.
Yamog, on the other hand, received €4.5 million for the supply of sustainable energy to 5,000 households in Davao Oriental. About 3,800 households will be provided solar home systems, while the other 1,200 households will gain access to hydropower.
Further, nongovernment group Kabang Kalikasan Ng Pilipinas Foundation Inc. was granted €3.9 million for energy access to four poor communities in Dinagat Islands and Siargao. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization was awarded €4.2 million for a renewable power technology in Tawi-Tawi.
The project aims to increase electricity access in the island that will improve delivery of community services, such as health and nutrition, education and sanitation.
The EU also poured in €3.7 million to the People in Need group for its renewable-energy access for off-grid communities and households in Northern Samar. Sequa Corp., for its part, received €2.2 million from the EU for its power project in Southwestern Tagalog Region and Central Visayas.
Moreover, Ateneo de Manila University was granted €3.8 million for its clean energy living laboratories project. This project aims to develop centers of excellence on energy access, renewable energy and energy efficiency.
EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen said the economic bloc received 73 applications on clean energy projects, most of which are targeted to assist communities in Mindanao. He said the selection process assessed the relevance, feasibility and sustainability of the actions to be committed by the partner institutions and groups.
“The actions are intended to contribute to improve the quality of life of marginalized rural community groups, while, at the same time, mitigate the impact of climate change through assisting communities in rural areas to access renewable energies and employ energy efficient and disaster resilient technologies,” Jessen said in his speech at the awarding of the grants.