Philippines' Energy department funds hybrid microgrid for 24/7 power in Quezon Province

Trademaster Resources Corp. will construct the facility within an 18-month period.

The Philippines' Department of Energy (DOE) and Quezon II Electric Cooperative, Inc. will establish a hybrid microgrid system in Burdeos town in Quezon Province, with an approved budget of $897,635 (PHP52m) under the Total Electrification Program for fiscal year 2025.

The initial phase of the microgrid will provide 24-hour electricity to 214 households, with the design allowing for service expansion over a 20-year period.

Trademaster Resources Corporation will construct the facility over an 18-month period, with project completion scheduled for April 2027, according to a press release.

The system consists of a 120-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system, a 100-kilowatt-hour battery energy storage system, and two diesel generator units with 50-kilowatt capacities.

The facility maintains performance during partial load conditions and allows parallel operation. The project’s energy mix aims to reduce diesel fuel use and ensure power reliability.

This project implements Republic Act No. 11646—also known as the Microgrid Systems Act—and follows the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to provide power to areas without electricity.

Sharon Garin, DOE secretary, stated that the government provides infrastructure investment to operationalise the Microgrid Systems Act, noting that it supports electrification in areas with low private sector interest.

The DOE expects the power supply to support local livelihoods and access to essential services in the community. The project forms part of the department’s mandate to achieve total electrification and energy security.

(US$1 = PHP57.93)