ADB-backed hybrid plant energizes Romblon island

An Asian Development Bank (ADB)-supported solar-diesel hybrid power generation system today began providing round-the-clock electricity to all 244 households on Cobrador Island in the province of Romblon.

Before the generation plant went online, electricity supply in the island was limited to only a few hours a day because of an unreliable diesel generation system, said ADB’s Philippine country director Richard Bolt.

Bolt, who was in the area to inaugurate the system, said reliable electricity would enable Cobrador to attract tourists to its pristine beaches and marble industry. The island’s other main source of livelihood—fishing—also stands to benefit.

The new system has a 30-kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic capacity to generate energy for immediate use during the day, and 180 kWh lithium-ion batteries that can be used to store excess energy for later use.

By using solar instead of diesel to meet the island’s 24-hour energy needs, the system will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 64.8 tons per year.