Move to build solar, wind power plants continues

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City Council adopted the recommendation of the committee on laws and good government on the conduct of a feasibility study to build a solar power plant and off-grid wind power facility in the city.

Mayor Johnny de los Reyes endorsed before the city council the proposal of Hi-Tech Lighting World Corporation, which they proposed to put up the solar power plant which will cost close to P580 million.

De los said the plant, which will be built in Barangay Maghaway, will be the first solar power plant in the city, which would enable residents to have access to free electricity.

But in a two-page committee report, City Councilor Socrates Fernandez said the proposal of Hi-tech Lighting World Corp. would fall under rehabilitate-operate-and-transfer scheme. The proponent will be the one to provide full lighting solution changing the city government of Talisay by using intelligent tele-management system (TMS).

The plan is in line with the aim to change the country's fuel system to 100-percent clean and renewable energy.

The Belgian Government, the Climate Change Commission and the World Watch Institute are reportedly assisting in the planned project.

According to Fernandez, the feasibility study presented by the proponent indicated that there will be primary steps to be implemented in the City Government of Talisay. These includes reduce emission with sustainable green lighting solutions; eliminate City's pubic lighting maintenance cost completely; reduce electricity consumption with at least 60% without any sacrifice on performance; upgrade light levels through advanced new technology; implement future prove lighting; integrate the intelligent management system (TMS) for outdoor lighting to maximize savings; change the billing system from flat-rate to actual consumption of the street light infrastructure by using TMS; no cash out for the city, integrated credit facility thru Landbank; and immediate savings.

Furthermore, the feasibility study being presented, the city government will have the following benefits - model SMART City in the Philippines; Renewed state-of-the-art LED light infrastructure computerized and programmable; Zero investment through relocation of the budget and financial credit facility; Attract attention (local and global); Reduction of electrical expenses; Additional income for the city; Attract other investment: Near ZERO maintenance cost; City Hall light renovation; Implementation of solar system.

"The Committee shall look into the budget allocated to energy expense payable to VECO, for conversion of the cost for the project offered by Hi-tech Lighting World Corp," Fernandez said in his report.

The report, which was signed by the four members of the committee, said the energy allocation covers other electric consumption like office appliances aside from lighting, which shall be given consideration or study for proper budget allocation.

It was former senator Heherson Alvarez, secretary of Climate Change Commission and presidential adviser on global warming and climate change, broached the idea to De los Reyes when he visited city last year.  (FREEMAN)