The National Power Corporation (Napocor) expressed its bid to fast-track its renewable energy program in its Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) power plants and gradually minimize the use of diesel generating sets.
Napocor President and CEO Fernando Martin Y. Roxas said that the move also came following the direction of Energy Secretary Raphael M. Lotilla to stop procuring new diesel gensets so as to lessen the Corporationโs dependence on fossil fuels.
โWe intend to push for hybridization for existing SPUG and to fully utilize renewable energy with energy storage systems for new areas. This will minimize the losses incurred from rising fuel costs and will eventually make our operations more sustainable,โ Roxas said.
Napocor said that it will also use and deploy more solar home systems (SHS) and install wind resource assessment (WRA) in probable areas for wind farms.
In 2022, Napocor has awarded contracts for the installation of around 2,600 units of SHS in Maconacon and Divilacan in Isabela, and in various areas in Masbate, Bohol, Dinagat, Sulu, and Basilan. SHS units include solar panels, batteries, LED lamps, radio, and torch lamps with 5V charging ports and are being distributed to unserved households in SPUG areas.
In batting for sustainability through renewable energy, Napocor can also lower its generation cost over time and minimize its carbon emission. โMy ultimate goal is to convert all SPUG areas to 100% RE operationsโ Roxas said โWhat is good for the environment is likewise good for Napocor,โ he added.
