EU allots P9B for Philippines clean power for poor

EU allots P9B for Philippines clean power for poor

The European Union (EU) is allotting up to P9 billion to develop energy
projects in the Philippines through the Access to Sustainable Energy Program
(ASEP) with the Department of Energy (DOE).

EU said ASEP aims to provide clean energy solutions to 100,000 households
equivalent to 500,000 individuals; add 20 megawatts (MW) of additional
renewable energy projects as well as improve energy efficiency in the
Philippines to generate savings of greenhouse gas emissions.

"With ASEP, we are targeting some of the poorest communities in the
Philippines. There is also a program we are working closely with the DOE so
that we can see projects where we can pour in funds," said Franz Jessen, EU
ambassador to the Philippines at the EU-Philippines Energy Meeting in
Makati last week.

"Financing agreement is going to run for three to four years. It depends on
how fast the money is being spent and being used by the communities. We do
have a chance for that (fund to be replenished.) We have some flexibility in
the program, it depends very much on how the needs in the Philippines would
be developed and how will the government's objectives be achieved over
time," Jessen said.

Christoph Menke, ASEP strategic advisor, said the body preparing tender
documents as well as calls for proposals to start the program.

"What I learned from EU is that in the next weeks most likely the
information for tenders will go out. Before Christmas, private sector is
invited to prepare for these tendering. Most likely in four to six weeks
the first announcement of tendering process will start," Menke said.

He said aside from the funding, technological advancements, business models
as well as proper policies administration of the government will be needed
for the ASEP to be realized.

Felix William Fuentebella, DOE undersecretary, said the agency is still
listing possible projects that can be funded by the ASEP.

"We brought up FIT (feed-in-tariff), on (possible) ways for it not to be
passed on to consumers. The other one is making more efficient energy system
by making use of our information technology," Fuentebella said.

Fuentebella added there are other European corporations interested to
participate in the program as the DOE is also looking at liquefied natural
gas development under ASEP.

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Ref:
http://malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/eu-allots-p9b-ph-clean-power-poo
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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com