The United States government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has launched a solar-powered boat called Adlao Azul in Palawan, Philippines. Developed by Oceantera Energy Corp. with a P25-million grant from USAID's Energy Secure Philippines project, the boat is equipped with a US-made battery system and high-efficiency bifacial solar panels. It can cruise for over six hours on clean energy and has storage capacity for transporting food, vaccines, and other essential goods to remote island communities in Palawan. The boat will also facilitate the timely delivery of emergency supplies during power outages and natural disasters. USAID and Oceantera will collaborate to expand the availability of clean energy-powered boats in Palawan by documenting supplier networks and regulations, establishing franchise agreements, and connecting potential funders with boat operators and builders. This initiative is part of USAID's Energy Secure Philippines project, which aims to mobilize investments, deploy modern energy technology, and support policy reforms for a more competitive energy sector in the Philippines.
The significance of renewable energy in island communities is highlighted by this launch. The solar-powered boat will improve mobility and the delivery of basic services in remote island communities in Palawan. It addresses the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promotes clean energy alternatives. The boat's ability to operate on clean energy and transport essential goods will have a positive impact on the lives of residents, especially during emergencies and power outages.
In addition, the Apl.de.Ap Foundation International, in partnership with Legacy EV, plans to develop the Philippines' first electric mobility education and development center. The center aims to promote electric mobility and provide education and training on electric vehicles. Sol-Go Philippines Inc., a PEZA-registered solar panel manufacturer, has also expressed interest in investing $5 million to expand their local operations. This development aligns with the Philippines' goal of transitioning to sustainable and clean transportation. The investment from Sol-Go Philippines Inc. and the plans for the electric mobility education center demonstrate the growing interest and commitment towards electric mobility in the country.
Meanwhile, in the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park, located on Saint John, a solar system has been installed at the Cruz Bay Visitor Center. The National Park Foundation helped secure funding for the project, which includes 60 solar panels with a peak power of 19 kilowatts. The system is expected to generate about 31,400 kilowatt-hours annually, covering approximately 70% of the building's energy use. The visitor center also serves as the offices for the park's rangers, who will now be able to work more effectively together. This initiative is part of a larger effort by the National Park Foundation to expand solar energy at national parks across the United States and work towards achieving net-zero emissions.
Furthermore, Harmony Health Medical Clinic and Family Resource Center, a social justice organization that provides health care, has installed new solar panels at their location in Linda, California. The project, costing $225,000, was funded by a Direct Relief grant. The solar panels have a backup battery system and a generator to ensure uninterrupted power supply, which is crucial for preserving vaccines and providing healthcare services during power outages. The organization also plans to use their van as a cooling or warming shelter for unhoused individuals during extreme weather conditions. Rachel Farrell, the CEO of Harmony Health, has a background as a hippie and a high school dropout. She attended Yuba College and later Stanford University, becoming a physician assistant. Farrell describes Harmony Health as a social justice organization that provides healthcare and continues to write grants and engage in community service.
These solar-powered initiatives in the Philippines, U.S. Virgin Islands National Park, and California demonstrate the increasing adoption of renewable energy in various sectors. They not only improve energy reliability and lower environmental impact but also contribute to the overall goal of achieving sustainable and clean energy systems.