The GIZ, or the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit, conducted on 27 February 2013 a one-day workshop on “PV-Hybrid Systems in the Philippines.“
The workshop provided German renewable energy companies the overall energy policy framework, as well as technical challenges in the integration of photovoltaic into existing energy networks. The workshop also provided time for discussions on the potential for PV-hybridisation and market potential for promoting solar energy solutions for off-grid areas.
H.E. Ambassador Maria Cleofe Natividad gave her welcome remarks, where she noted positively that Philippine and German companies are working together for the expansion of installed PV output in the Philippines. The Ambassador also informed the participants that German Foreign Minister Westerwelle – in his official visit to Manila on 07-08 February 2013 – had discussed with Secretary del Rosario the need for closer cooperation to “exploit opportunities in energy, manufacturing, BPO, tourism and other infrastructure projects under the PPP and other schemes.”
Mr. Dante Briones, President of the Philippine Solar Power Alliance, was invited to share his views on market segments and opportunities for use of PV on the on/off grid/ captive market and missionary areas. Mr. Briones noted that in certain islands and remote areas of the Philippines, the concept of commercial tourism is fast catching on, and resort hotels are now considering the use of a PV/Diesel generator hybrid systems and generator sets (gensets). He also noted the potential for big agri/poultry companies to blend PV with existing and planned biomass and genset facilities.
The Philippines currently has the highest retail tariffs in Asia (average of $0.18/kWh), and it is precisely because of such high prices that there is growing interest in increasing private sector participation in RE development across the Philippines. Local officials are also becoming seriously interested in RE development because it is a potential source for job creation in the Philippine countryside.
The German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) and its operational arm, the GIZ, has been actively cooperating with the Philippine government and the private sector in promoting development cooperation in the Philippines. The GIZ operates on behalf of the BMWi, as well as other German ministries such as the Federal Foreign Office, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, in developing markets and in setting up structures and developing capacity for good governance with partner countries such as the Philippines. (end)
