The FP Island solar power plant in QuinalasagThousands of inhabitants in three islands in Camarines Sur now enjoy round-the-clock electricity service after microgrid developer FP Island Energy Corporation completed its projects there.

FP Island, a wholly owned subsidiary of First Philippine Holdings Corporation, has begun commercial operations of its microgrids in Haponan and Lahuy in Caramoan and Quinasalag in Garchitorena under the qualified third party (QTP) program of the Department of Energy (DOE).

The DOE designated FP Island as the QTP or alternative service provider for the islands at the conclusion of a competitive selection process.

“As a Lopez Group company, we at FP Island pursued these microgrid projects because they are aligned with our Group’s new mission which is ‘forging collaborative pathways for a decarbonized and regenerative future,’” FP Island president Victor Emmanuel Santos Jr. said. “I have very high hopes the microgrids will help uplift the lives of the residents in the islands, most of whom make a living by fishing.

“These islands are rich in marine resources. However, we have been told that more than half of the daily catch goes to waste because there is no way to preserve the fish before it gets to market. But with 24/7 electricity, the inhabitants can be regenerative by making ice, using this to preserve more of their catch and earning more income for their families,” Santos added.

As QTP, FP Island installed a microgrid in each of the three islands of Lahuy, Haponan and Quinalasag. This small and localized electricity network generates and distributes its own 24/7 or continuous electricity from a hybrid or combination of renewable energy (solar with battery) and conventional power sources (a diesel generator set).

Martin Lacdao, FP Island business development officer, said that “round-the-clock electricity could spawn other livelihood opportunities in the island. It could attract investors keen on developing the area’s potential as an ecotourism site. (Story/Photos by: Joel Gaborni)