The Asian Development Bank said Thursday its solar-diesel hybrid power generation system started providing electricity for the first time in the island of Cobrador in Romblon province.
The Manila-based multilateral lender said the newly launched system would provide round-the-clock electricity to 244 households in the island.
“Cobrador’s pristine beaches mean it could, with reliable electricity, now attract tourists. The island’s main source of livelihood—fishing—also stands to benefit from the ability to produce ice to preserve the day’s catch,” the bank said.
ADB said the pilot project showed how clean, renewable energy could be tapped to upgrade existing local electricity systems to meet the needs of remote and energy-deficient communities in the Philippines.