Schneider, GK partner for rural energy project

MANILA, Philippines - Although only 10 percent of rural communities have no access to electricity, they need a reliable power supply for medical facilities, and for entrepreneurial and agricultural activities.

Schneider Electric and Gawad Kalinga (GK) have teamed up to address these issues.

GK will provide social expertise, thanks to its knowledge of the region, the needs on the ground and of local stakeholders, and will build social models adapted to the Philippine situation.

Schneider will contribute its technological products and solutions (developed specifically to meet the needs of disadvantaged populations), technical expertise and experience in providing access to energy gained since the launch of its BipBop program in 2009.

“Within the framework of our BipBop program to increase access to reliable, affordable and clean energy, we’re always looking for innovative partnerships with actors who can offer us a clear vision and detailed knowledge of the needs of populations,” explains Jean-Pascal Tricoire, chairman and CEO of Schneider Electric.

“We’re keen to draw on the expertise of Schneider Electric in innovative, sustainable, affordable and high-performance solutions that provide access to solar energy to the most deprived, to the farmers and social entrepreneurs that we support,” says Tony  Meloto, founder and chairman of GK. “It’s a very ambitious project that has high potential to create jobs in our communities. We also want to contribute to the training of a number of solar energy technicians and raise the awareness of thousands of students, GK volunteers and beneficiaries to a sustainable development approach.

Schneider now has a high-profile partner to expand its activities in the Philippines, achieving greater economic growth and joining our dream of giving dignity and hope to five million families at the base of the pyramid by 2024.”

There are four aspects to the partnership:

• Support for farmers, particularly through solar water pumping solutions, electrification of installations and adapted economic models;

• Electrification of isolated villages, cooperatives and installations that have a continuous need for power;

• Production and smart management of energy for GK’s Enchanted Farm, new platform for developing the rural economy around three areas: social entrepreneurship, social tourism and social education;

• Training and support for local entrepreneurs to ensure the maintenance, development and sale of products and solutions in the long term.