MANILA – A U.S. funded solar powered boat was formally launched by the United States government to help improve the mobility at delivery of basic services across remote island communities in Palawan.
According to the US Embassy Manila, the project called “Adlao Azul” is a solar-powered boat developed by Oceantera Energy Corporation through a $452,000 (PHP 25 million) grant under the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Energy Secure Philippines project.
Energy Secure Philippines is USAID’s five-year $34million activity that aims to mobilize investments, deploy modern energy technology, and support policy reforms for a more competitive energy sector that can drive future economic growth and social development in the Philippines.
“The boat is equipped with a U.S.-made battery system and high-efficiency bifacial solar panels, allowing it to cruise for over six hours on clean energy,” the release stated.
The U.S. Embassy also said that the boat comes with a cooler and freezer storage for transport of food, vaccines, medical supplies and other essential goods for residents on the islands of Coron, Culion, and Busuanga.
It also allows the timely delivery of emergency supplies during power outages and natural disasters.
In a statement, USAID Philippines Environmental Officer Dr. Paul Brown said that “USAID has been working closely with the national and local governments, as well as the private sector to expand the use of renewable energy across different sectors such as transportation, agriculture, island electrification, and disaster response”.
Brown added that they are looking forward to a continued partnership with the private sector, particularly investors, resort owners, and boat operators to support a low-carbon ecosystem.
Meanwhile, former Climate Change Commission Assistant Secretary Joy Goco said that “solar-powered boats such as the Adlao Azul are very transformative technologies that address not only climate change mitigation but also support the livelihood and economy of communities.”
Goco is optimistic that the said project will be replicated in other islands in the country.
Following the launch of Adlao Azul, USAID and Oceantera will work to expand the commercial availability of clean energy-powered boats in Palawan by documenting supplier networks and regulations, establishing franchise agreements, and linking potential funders with potential clients, such as boat operators and builders.
