Far from commercial grids and power lines, the island of Tawi-Tawi sits at the southernmost part of the Philippines. In this remote province, only 30% of the population has access to electricity, which is predominantly sourced from diesel generators. Due to the unstable electric supply, the island experiences rolling blackouts that stunt progress and slow down the delivery of essential services, such as health and education. For the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi whose vision is to be a center of excellence in Fisheries, Marine and Maritime Science and Engineering, and Oceanography this means that the quality of their educational program is undermined and that the productivity of their students is often disrupted.
Working with MSU, AC Energy has partnered with Kennedy Renewable + Technology Corp. to address the power shortage and provide the school with solar panels. AC Energy, whose recent focus in the development of renewable energy, provided technical and financial support, with Kennedy acting as the main developer and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the project. Seven campus buildings were outfitted with solar panels, hybrid inverters and batteries, providing not only 141kW capacity to the university, but also energy storage capability. The system works in tandem with the local power supply, thereby reducing the impact of electrical disruptions and lowering the school's cost of electricity.
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