Powering the Future: Irrigation Canals in Burauen, Leyte Find New Purpose in Award Winning Solar Micro-Hydro Hybrid
An exciting new project in Burauen, Leyte showcases the use of irrigation canals to produce renewable power. The Daguitan solar micro-hydro hybrid is the culmination of a public-private partnership showcasing a breakthrough idea to combine hydro and solar technologies to produce clean power and has been hailed as the future of renewable energy in the country.
Innovation Recognized: The project won the first Technology Innovation Challenge sponsored by the Asian Development Bank and showcases the seamless integration of a 5.2-kwp Helios PowerWheel with a 6.2-wkp solar-power and batteries. It made possible with the collaboration of Helios Altas, One Renewable, the National Irrigation Administration, DORELCO and Camp Kawayan. Representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and LEYECO joined the ceremonies.
Clean Power from Irrigation Canals: Mory Houshmand, Helios Altas Chief Operating Officer explained that as challenges with the climate and fossil fuels cost mount globally, innovation and unconventional thinking must drive the quest for renewable energy sources. “Our technology is one alternative that, once scaled up and combined with other renewable power options, can turn irrigation canals, open streams and most other flowing water sources into clean power,” he said.
Empowering Agricultural Communities: For Erel Narida, One Renewable President / CEO, “Since access to energy is one of the key determinants of economic growth, harnessing the untapped power of existing canals to generate power and support post-harvest facilities presents a solution for agricultural communities. It can go a long way to increase the value of farm produce and nurture our new generation of farmers to ensure the nation’s food security. The system is easy to install, has a small footprint, yet maximizes the potential of existing irrigation canals for power generation.”
Renewable Portfolio Standard Compliance: Engineer Marben Abrera of DORELCO believes that the technology will greatly help the Electric Cooperatives comply with the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that currently requires 2.5% of the power energy mix be sourced from RE and increasing by 2.5% annually until it reaches 50% by 2040.
Transforming Waterways into Power Sources: In a country of abundant sunlight and 16,000 KM irrigation canals waterways that were previously not suitable for conventional power generation will now find new purpose of bring power to where it is most needed.
For an in-depth look at the Daguitan project, watch the Asian Development Bank feature here.