China’s State Grid to provide solar power for Zambales
MANILA, Philippines — The China-based technical partner of power grid operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is spearheading efforts to generate solar power for areas of Zambales that would benefit over 1,000 residents in the province.
In a statement, the State Grid Corporation of China said the move comes on the heels of Chinese President XI Jinping’s state visit to the Philippines last year where he committed greater economic support for the Philippines.
As part of the closer ties between both countries, State Grid recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Zambales II Electric Cooperative (Zameco II) for the solar project.
Under the deal, State Grid’s “Brighten Up” project will install of a solar panel system for Zameco II, which will generate 76 kilowatts, capable of delivering power to over 1,000 residents, including two schools with 108 students.
Through the partnership, Huawei Philippines will also donate communications equipment, providing the communities with telecommunications network coverage. State Grid will then provide computers and school supplies for the two educational institutions covered by the agreement.
During the signing ceremony for the project, Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy of the Philippines Jin Yuan noted that the relationship between the two nations have improved further after President Xi’s Philippine visit last November 2018.
Jin said State Grid’s project will help cement the good relations between the two countries, and paves the way for enhanced cooperation in the future.
State Grid is the technical partner and 40-percent owner of NGCP, where it provides assistance to the country’s transmission grid through skills development of engineers and providing the firm with the latest technologies in modern transmission grid operations.
State Grid said that together with NGCP, the company would be able to reach more communities and create more opportunities for potential like Zameco II around the country.
Around 650 guests from State Grid, NEA, Zameco II, the local government of San Marcelino, and Barangays Baliwet and Old Baliwet graced the deal signing and ceremonial groundbreaking held at the United Nations Aeta Women’s School.
Present were Counselor Jin; Shan She Wu, chief director for the SGCC Philippine Office and NGCP director; Artis Nikki Tortola, deputy administrator for the National Electrification Administration; Ambassador Francis Chua, chairman for Philippine-China Trade Investment Council and NGCP director; engineer Alvin Farrales, general manager of Zameco II and Mayor Elvis Soria of the Municipality of San Marcelino. /je
