Energy projects funded by USAID launched

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government yesterday launched energy projects funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), aimed at ensuring continued delivery of service and government operations during calamities.

The Energy Sector Emergency Operations Center (ESEOC) and the Mobile Energy System (MES) are programs led by the Department of Energy, which would address the need for resilient energy infrastructure and response capabilities in the country in times of crisis.

The ESEOC and MES are part of the USAID’s $34-million Energy Secure Philippines project.

Through these initiatives, the government would be able to conduct near real-time monitoring of energy infrastructure such as grid performance and distribution network, especially during disasters when power service is at risk, President Marcos said.

“It will also serve as a centralized hub for collaboration and information sharing across the entire energy supply chain to ensure seamless coordination among local, regional and national authorities in times of crises,” Marcos said in a speech delivered by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin during the project launch in Makati City.

“We cannot count on people’s resilience alone. People’s patience is not a renewable resource,” he added.

The MES taps into a renewable energy source and can be used for microgrids, businesses, health facilities and homes, Marcos said.

“The MES is a safe, dependable and sustainable power source for emergencies, disaster relief efforts and critical infrastructure operations in case traditional sources falter. These systems will ensure the continuous operation of critical infra and basic services in emergency situations,” he noted.

The pilot run of the MES will be conducted in Sta. Ana and Lallo, Cagayan, which are identified as typhoon-prone municipalities, Marcos said.

MES units will also be distributed to various government agencies, he added.