Solar Power Infrastructure for Underserved Areas
Solar Power Infrastructure for Underserved Areas
Business Model Description
Build and Operate Solar Energy Infrastructure through public-private partnerships with local and national government agencies to provide off-grid and on-grid solutions in remote areas. Examples of companies active in this space are:
The SINOSAUR solar project was organized by the Philippine National Electrification Administration (NEA) this August, which aims to supply sustainable basic electricity to 3,100 far-flung off-grid households. The project facilitated the government's goal to achieve the “Total National Electrification” target by contributing renewable energy for 25,000 off-grid households nationwide in the Philippines. The project extends and consolidates the leading role of SINOSOAR in the off-grid solar market of the Philippines.
The Tumingad Hybrid Solar-Diesel Powerplant is capable of producing 7.5 MWp of electricity. Excess solar power is stored in the plant's battery while diesel generators are used once all electricity is used up. Costing USD 10M the plant constructed by Sunwest Water & Electricity Co. is one among multiple solar-hybrid off-grid power solutions in Romblon.
Expected Impact
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions while improving air quality, energy affordability and creating green jobs through solar power investments.
How is this information gathered?
Investment opportunities with potential to contribute to sustainable development are based on country-level SDG Investor Maps.
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Country & Regions
- Philippines: MIMAROPA Region
- Philippines: Western Visayas
Sector Classification
Renewable Resources and Alternative Energy
Development need
The Philippines consistently have the highest electricity prices compared to relative ASEAN countries. (1) Coupled with this, there are grid challenges that creates congestions, uneven power distribution and stranded electricity that cause power interruptions on some congested areas, but also wasted energy produced because of power production.
As of 2021, 5 percent of Filipino households still live without electricity, bereft of the benefits including increased welfare and productivity, education, and improved indoor air quality. Majority of these un-energized households are located in Abra, Albay, Masbate, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Lanao Del Sur and are being catered by ailing and problematic electric cooperatives (ECs). (1)
Policy priority
The Philippine Development Plan proposed to revise the implementation rules and regulations of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008. Additionally, On 15 November 2022, Department of Justice Circular No. 2022-11-0034 was issued allowing 100 percent foreign ownership of RE projects where applicable.
This move is aimed at achieving the government’s target to increase the share of RE in the power generation mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040. Further, the government have committed to reduce its emission levels by 75% in 2030, with renewable energy as the main thrust to transition to a low emission economy. (1)
Gender inequalities and marginalization issues
While no gender disparity has been observed in terms of access to electricity. Last mile areas and poor families mainly comprise the remaining population with no access to electricity. Provinces such as Abra, Albay, Masbate, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Lanao Del Sur also consist significant population of low income families.
Investment opportunities introduction
Multiple market support have been seen to push for renewable energy. Conversations with the Banking industry leaders showed that due to the straightforward nature of renewable energy, projects related to it can be tagged green without much difficulty.
With the decarbonization focus on the country, support for such green investments are highly preferred by both national and local governments who some of themselves have scoped possible renewable energy sites for their local area. (1)
Key bottlenecks introduction
Complexity in executing infrastructure projects, the World Bank in its report: Philippine Economic Update June 2021 pinpoint that the main challenges within the industry are long time frames which creates slower budget execution rates.
Coupled with the new Mandanas ruling to devolve several significant sector developments to the local government, there's a significant need to improve the capacity of local government workers to effectively mobilize capital to create public-private partnerships.
Alternative Energy
Development need
While data from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows that 95% of families in the Philippines already have access to electricity.The Philippine Development Plan of 2023 to 2028 recognized Philippines still has multiple significant challenges in providing access to electricity.
Multiple areas are still not connected to the main grid where concessionaires are mainly operating small off grid power generators, mostly diesel based. Additionally, there are challenges in depletion of current sources of energy. (1) As such, the Philippines envisions tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, requiring an additional 14,900 MW, including from solar power (5)
Policy priority
The DOE's first initiative is the DOE-Solar PV Mainstreaming (PVM), which aims to solve unpowered and widely distributed remote homes that are far from ECs' distribution networks. This program is financed by the DOE and EU-ASEP and employs the fee-for-service business model.
The second program is the Access to Sustainable Energy Program (ASEP), which aims to offer policy and strategy assistance, develop planning tools and business models, and offer focused support on investment initiation. In resolving administrative and regulatory difficulties that prevent the government from achieving its electrification goals, ASEP works with DOE and other stakeholders.
The government's goal of 100% electrification is supported by the QTP, or Qualified Third Party, which also creates an atmosphere more favorable to private sector engagement.
Gender inequalities and marginalization issues
Majority of the remaining percentages of no access to electricty involved families in remote areas, which hugely affects women and children. Women are challenged to perform their dedicated roles, and children in school find it difficult to undertake studies at home due to lack of electricity access.
There are 12,00 sitios which still has no access to decent electricity, with indegenous people and low-income household comprising majority of the population (5)
Investment opportunities introduction
With the NDC to reduce emission by 75% in 2030, both national government through the Philippine Energy Expenditure plan 2020-2040, the Phlippine Development Plan 2023 - 2028 and local governments Investor forums (QC and Capiz) have shown great support in exploration and building more renewable energy production, including solar power, around the country. (1)
Key bottlenecks introduction
Given the nature of energy generation, with the real estate and regulation surrounding it, multiple delay points are currently experienced in a certain project. Local government support is crucial to the success of such projects, and those that does not garner support can be further delayed.
Pipeline Opportunity
Solar Power Infrastructure for Underserved Areas
Build and Operate Solar Energy Infrastructure through public-private partnerships with local and national government agencies to provide off-grid and on-grid solutions in remote areas. Examples of companies active in this space are:
The SINOSAUR solar project was organized by the Philippine National Electrification Administration (NEA) this August, which aims to supply sustainable basic electricity to 3,100 far-flung off-grid households. The project facilitated the government's goal to achieve the “Total National Electrification” target by contributing renewable energy for 25,000 off-grid households nationwide in the Philippines. The project extends and consolidates the leading role of SINOSOAR in the off-grid solar market of the Philippines.
The Tumingad Hybrid Solar-Diesel Powerplant is capable of producing 7.5 MWp of electricity. Excess solar power is stored in the plant's battery while diesel generators are used once all electricity is used up. Costing USD 10M the plant constructed by Sunwest Water & Electricity Co. is one among multiple solar-hybrid off-grid power solutions in Romblon.
Business Case
Market Size and Environment
> USD 1 billion
10% - 15%
35% share in power generation
The 2020-2040 Phil. Energy Plan shows ~USD 150 billion investment for a Clean Energy Scenario (CES) (5) Under CES, the country is expected to generate additional capacity of 45,118MW by 2040 thru solar energy. The total investment requirement for renewables including solar energy is ~USD 115 billion. Market research estimates for 5 year CAGR for solar energy as of 2022 to be around 10.6% (6)
The 2022 Philippine National Renewable Energy Program aims to achieve 35% share of renewable energy in the country by 2030. This goal shall rise to 50% share by 2040. To achieve the Clean Energy Scenario for the entirety of the 2020–2040 Philippine Energy Plan, an investment of epproximately USD 115 Billion is required in renewable technology. (6)
The report by Mordor Intelligence highlights several forecasts for the Philippine renewable energy market size and market shares over the years of 2023–2028. The data for the analysis specifically covers information from 2018 onwards. Historical CAGR for solar energy production is at 10.6% and expected to grow due to upcoming projects. (6)
Indicative Return
10% - 15%
According to a 2019 unpublished Feasibility Study (FS) for a 50-megawatt solar power project in Western Visayas, both project and equity IRRs range from 10-15%. (7) Similar smaller scale studies of 5MW shows around 10-15% IRR with an initial investment of USD 5 million, payback of 5 years and operating at least 20 years (8)
According to an article by BusinessWorld, the 2019 and 2020 gross profit margin of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines was 66% and 68% respectively. In comparison, they indicate that Manila Electric Company's profit margin was 17% and 16% over those two same years.
Investment Timeframe
Medium Term (5–10 years)
This is dependent on the technology used for the energy infrastructure. Case studies on solar power infrastructure, including Cebu Solar, estimates around a 6.5 - 7 year payback period. (19)
Ticket Size
USD 1 million - USD 10 million
Market Risks & Scale Obstacles
Capital - CapEx Intensive
Government Protocols
Impact Case
Sustainable Development Need
Malampaya's natural gas fields will be depleted by 2027, leading to importing liquefied natural gas (LNG). Imported gas costs and volatile supplies result in higher power prices. (12)
There are reports of electricity shortage, with 12 predicted yellow alerts in Luzon from March to November 2023, and a proposed ~USD 220 million budget cut may result in power outages in 800 thousand homes across the country, primarily in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Electricity prices in the Philippines remain among the highest in Southeast Asia. In December 2021, the Philippines’ residential rate was $0.16/kWh, second to Singapore ($0.18/kWh) and higher than Thailand ($0.10/kWh), Indonesia ($0.10/kWh), and Malaysia ($0.05/kWh). (13)
Gender & Marginalisation
Energy access affects women's life, education, and employment in developing nations. The digital divide excludes poor women from the digital economy and learning, which need electricity.
The health and safety of women and girls are at risk if they are not able to access energy due to the care work burdens they are expected to do such as cooking, laundry, cleaning, etc.
Inclusive economic growth is the single most effective means of reducing poverty and boosting prosperity. Yet most economic activity is impossible without adequate, reliable, and competitively priced modern energy. 1 in 7 (or 1.1 billion people) don’t have access to electricity. (16)
Expected Development Outcome
The 2021 data shows an increase in population with access to electricity to 95.4%, up from 90.7% in 2016. The administration's priority is to provide electrification to the entire population, including isolated and disadvantaged areas (1).
The entry of more players in renewable energy, such as solar power, will result to increased generation capacity, which consequently contributes to cost reduction in electricity (1).
Gender & Marginalisation
The outcomes are to increase energy availability for rural households, narrow the gender gap in energy employment, ensure safe working conditions for women in the sector, and promote women's participation as stakeholders in energy development.
Increase in green jobs generation and just transition for workers shifting from coal/gas industries to renewable energy.
Primary SDGs addressed
7.1.1 Proportion of population with access to electricity
7.1.2 Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology
Latest data shows 95% access to electricity, however security of access is a significant issue even for those with access to electricity. Power rationing continues across the country. Additionally, access to electricity in regional standpoint varies significantly.
Latest data from the Philippines Statistics office shows 48.9 percent. Renewable energy contribution to the main grid however remains less than 20%. Most offgrid solutions are also diesel driven.
The Philippines aim to have 100% of its population to have access to electricity
The Philippines does not have a target for this SDG however, the Department of Energy expressed support and desire to increase the share of renewable energy within the decade to 40%
Secondary SDGs addressed
Directly impacted stakeholders
People
Gender inequality and/or marginalization
Planet
Corporates
Public sector
Indirectly impacted stakeholders
People
Gender inequality and/or marginalization
Planet
Corporates
Public sector
Outcome Risks
Financial risks: cost overruns due to delays, regulatory hurdles, and increased material costs; limited revenue generation from insufficient demand or contract challenges.
Environmental risks: ecological impact through land clearance and construction, greenhouse gas emissions aggravate climate change, and water usage and pollution affecting local environments.
Social risks: displacement and land rights issues, health and safety concerns for workers and communities, limited community participation leading to resentment, distrust, and hampered project success
Governance and policy risks: regulatory uncertainty impacting viability, corruption undermining effectiveness, and lack of institutional capacity hindering long-term sustainability
Gender inequality/marginalization risks: unequal access for women, limited participation in decision-making, and inadequate consideration of gender-specific safety concerns, perpetuating disparities
Impact Risks
Governance and policy impact risks: corruption and lack of transparency impacting fund allocation, regulatory instability, and insufficient accountability leading to community distrust
Environmental impact risks: increased greenhouse gas emissions, ecological disruption, water stress due to construction, land clearance, and high water resource requirements
Social and community impact risks include potential relocation and problems with land rights, diseases, and cultural disruption causing social unrest, negative health effects
Economic impact risks: increased energy costs, job-skill mismatch affecting job creation, economic dependence on a single sector, possibly making poverty and vulnerability to economic shocks worse
Gender inequality/marginalization risks: access disparities, exclusion from decision-making processes, inadequate consideration of gender-specific safety concerns, increasing women's vulnerability
Impact Classification
What
Providing a more reliable and affordable source of energy through solar power to underserved areas which also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality
Risk
Impact risks can include vulnerability to changes in energy prices and possible displacement from the project site.
Contribution
Solar power infrastructure will contribute to the overall 35% target for renewable energy source by 2030 and can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality
Impact Thesis
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions while improving air quality, energy affordability and creating green jobs through solar power investments.
Enabling Environment
Policy Environment
Executive Order 30, Series of 2017 mandates the establishment of the Energy Investment Coordinating Council (EICC) to oversee and facilitate energy-related investments, including solar power, in the country. The aim is to ensure a more efficient and streamlined process for energy projects, from planning to implementation.
The entire RA 11032 or Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act is a law in the Philippines that aims to simplify business procedures and promote efficient government services to attract more investors and boost the country's economy.
The entire RA 11234 or the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) Act aims to streamline the permitting process for energy projects in the Philippines by creating an online platform that allows for easier coordination between government agencies involved in the approval process.
The entire Administrative Order (AO) 23 aims to streamline government processes and reduce bureaucratic red tape by eliminating unnecessary requirements and redundant procedures in government agencies. It aims to promote ease of doing business in the Philippines.
JMC 2020-01: (1.9) The DILG, in support of the DOE, enjoins all LGUs to implement the directive of the President Duterte on the implementation of energy projects through the issuance of this policy.
The Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) 2020-2040 is the second comprehensive energy blueprint supporting the government’s long-term vision known as Ambisyon Natin 2040 which reiterates the energy sector’s goal to chart a transformative direction towards attaining a cleane nergy future.
Financial Environment
RA 9513: Renewable Energy Act, Section 15(h) prescribes that an RE Developer engaged in missionary electrification shall be entitled to a cash generation-based incentive per kilowatt-hour generated equivalent to 50% of the Universal Charge for power needed to service missionary areas
RA 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, Chapter III, Section 9: Green Energy Option - provides end-users the option to choose RE resources as their sources of energy.
The Net Metering Program allows consumers who generate their own electricity, typically through solar panels or wind turbines, to sell excess power back to the grid and receive credits on their bills for the power they provide (2).
Foreign direct investments is limited to 40% maximum ownership for this sector. Tax credit on Domestic Capital equipment equivalent to 100% of the value of the VAT and custom duties for the local purchase of machinery, equipment, materials and parts; Special Realty Tax rates on equipment and machinery not exceeding 2.5% of original cost
Regulatory Environment
The entire Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001 aims to restructure the power industry in the Philippines by promoting competition, privatizing government-owned utilities, and creating a more efficient and reliable power supply system.
Department Circular 2018-02-2003: Policy for the Competitive Selection Process in the Procurement by the Distribution Utilities of Power Supply Agreement for the Captive Market
RA 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, Chapter III, Section 6: Renewable Portfolio Standard - All stakeholders in the electric power industry shall contribute to the growth of the renewable energy industry of the country.
Department Circular No. 2018-07-0019: Promulgating the Rules and Guidelines Governing the Establishment of the Green Energy Option Program Pursuant to the Renewable Energy Act of 2008
Department Circular No 2018-08-0024: Promulgating the Rules and Guidelines Governing the Establishment of the Renewable Portfolio Standards for Off-Grid Areas
Marketplace Participants
Private Sector
AC Energy, Iberdola Philippines, Windkraft Group, First Gen Energy Solutions, Philippine Geothermal Production Company, Inc., Bacman Geothermal Inc. ResponsAbility Investments, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, BDO Unibank, Inc.
Government
Department of Energy; Public-Private Partnership Center; National Power Corporation; LGUs from Roxas town, Palawan, San Luis town, Aurora and San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
Multilaterals
Asian Development Bank, World Bank, Asian Investment Infrastructure Bank (AIIB), The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Japan International Cooperation Agency, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines
Non-Profit
Okra Solar, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, Protect VIP Network, Center for Energy, Equality and Development (CEED), The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, Bangon Kabuhayan
Public-Private Partnership
Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding, Ltd; Burmeister & Wain Scandinavian Contractor; Consortium of Mitsui & Company Limited
Target Locations
Philippines: MIMAROPA Region
Philippines: Western Visayas
References
- (1) NEDA. Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028 https://pdp.neda.gov.ph/philippine-development-plan-2023-2028/
- (2) INFF. Development Finance Assessment 2022 https://medium.com/@jp.inff.ph/2022-development-finance-assessment-shows-ph-financing-landscape-in-the-time-of-covid-19-and-the-68dcc39bcc19
- (3) Department of Energy. (2020). Philippine Energy Plan 2020-2040. Department of Energy. https://www.doe.gov.ph/sites/default/files/pdf/pep/PEP_2020-2040_signed_01102022.pdf
- (4) Ocampo, R. (n.d). How Net-Metering Works: Understanding the Basics of Policy, Regulation, and Standards. Department of Energy. https://www.doe.gov.ph/1-how-net-metering-works-understanding-basics-policy-regulation-and-standards
- (5) Department of Energy. (2020). Philippine Energy Plan 2020-2040. Department of Energy. https://www.doe.gov.ph/sites/default/files/pdf/pep/PEP%202022-2040%20Final%20eCopy_20220819.pdf
- (6) Mordor Intelligence https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/philippines-renewable-energy-market
- (7) Polestrom, (2019). Unpublished 50-Megawatt Solar Power Project Feasibility Study
- (8) Department of Health. (2020). Philippine Health Facility Development Plan 2020- 2040. Manila, Philippines: Department of Health.https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/DOH_PHILIPPINE%20HEALTH%20FACILITY%20DEVELOPMENT%20PLAN%202020_2040_0.pdf
- (9) Green Infrastructure Investment Opportunities. (2020) https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/653566/green-infrastructure-investment-philippines-2020.pdf
- (10) Oplas, Jr., B. S. (2022). Electrifying profit and penalties, the case of NGCP, DUs, and ERC. BusinessWorld. https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2022/02/07/428389/electrifying-profit-and-penalties-the-case-of-ngcp-dus-and-erc/
- (11) Fernandez, A. (2021) How the Philippines’ low-carbon plans may fuel a switch to green jobs. Eco-Business. https://www.eco-business.com/news/how-the-philippines-low-carbon-plans-may-fuel-a-switch-to-green-jobs/
- (12) As gas reserves wane, Philippines faces rising costs in switch to LNG. (2023). BusinessWorld. https://www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/2023/05/24/524691/as-gas-reserves-wane-philippines-faces-rising-costs-in-switch-to-lng/
- (13) Ravago, M. (2023). The cost structure of electricity in the Philippines and other Asian countries: A Comparative Note. ACERD. https://www.ateneo.edu/sites/default/files/2023-01/AdMU%20WP%202023-02_0.pdf
- (14) Silverio, I. (2023) Filipino Women Speak Out On Equitable Energy Access https://maritimefairtrade.org/filipino-women-speak-out-on-equitable-energy-access/
- (15) World Bank (2022). The Philippine Offshore Wind Roadmap https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099225004192234223/pdf/P1750040b777da0c30935a0e2aa346f4e26.pdf
- (16) Indrawati, S. (2015) What you need to know about energy and poverty. https://blogs.worldbank.org/voices/what-you-need-know-about-energy-and-poverty
- (17)Technology Brief. USAID (1998) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AOwwjnF_sEbOnyzznxc3Tu7_6CcrDjjI/edit#gid=1578749044"
- (18) SINOSAUR Solar Project (2021) https://www.sinosoarhybrid.com/shs-project-philippines2021-en/
- (19) Cebu Solar Project (2020) https://demo.cebusolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cebu-Solar-Inc-50MW-Solar-Power-Farm-Business-Plan.pdf