China’s State Grid to provide solar power for Zambales

The China-based technical partner of power grid operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is spearheading efforts to generate solar power that would benefit over 1,000 residents in Zambales.

In a statement, the State Grid Corporation of China said the move came 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 include the installation of a solar panel system for Zameco II, which will generate 76 kilowatts capable of delivering power to over 1,000 residents as well as 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 the relationship between the two nations have improved further after President Xi’s Philippine visit last November.

Jin said State Grid’s project would help cement the good relations between the two countries, paving 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.