ElectriPHI

Systematic, Multi-disciplinary, and Data-driven Electrification Planning in

Off-Grid Islands in the Philippines

April 18, 2022 – April 17, 2024

ElectriPHI aims to provide science-based policy recommendations on the electrification of small off-grid islands in the Philippines through the use of techno-economic modelling, machine learning, sustainability tools, and knowledge management, in line with the government’s goal of 100% electrification by 2022. In addition, ElectriPHI will also aid in improving private sector participation by developing a methodology to screen viable projects sites among the thousands of off-grid islands in the country. The program will achieve its general objective through the two projects that it encompasses.

Project IntensiPHI will perform techno-economic studies of HRES in 600+ identified off-grid islands using the Island Systems LCOEmin Algorithm, our in-house energy systems optimizer. The techno-economic calculations will be the basis of policy recommendations and screening of viable HRES project sites to improve private sector participation.

Project UniPHI will develop a knowledge management system to extract crucial information from large datasets on Philippine off-grid islands. The generated insights will be communicated to the government and stakeholders through the development of an interactive website.

Project 1: IntensiPHI

Perform techno-economic studies using the Island Systems LCOEmin Algorithm (ISLA)
Provide data-driven and science-based policy recommendations and screening of islands for improving private sector participation
Accelerate the rate of electrification and reduce the cost of electricity in Philippine off-grid islands

Project 2: UniPHI

Unify off-grid planning research through a multi-featured online tool with the appropriate knowledge management tools
Create and expand on a web-based electrification planning tool for off-grid energy research
Make it useable for stakeholders

Project 1: IntensiPHI

Published Papers and Conference Presentations

Several research articles have been published and credited under the IntensiPHI project.

Castro, M.T., Ocon, J.D., et al. (2022). Techno-Economic and Financial Analyses of Hybrid Renewable Energy System Microgrids in 634 Philippine Off-grid Islands: Policy Implications on Public Subsidies and Private Investments, Energy Policy, 257, 124599
Castro, M.T., Ocon, J.D. (2022). Development of Chemistry-specific Battery Energy Storage System Models Using Combined Multiphysics and Reduced Order Modeling, Journal of Energy Storage, 54, 105305
Castro, M.T., Ocon, J.D. (2022). A Comparative Future Levelized Cost of Storage of Static Electrochemical and Mechanical Energy Storage Technologies in 1-MW Energy and Power Applications, Chemical Engineering Transactions, 94, 355-360

Project results have been presented recently in peer-reviewed international conferences.

Off-Grid Island Field Visits

In September 2022, the IntensiPHI team visited the islands of Polillo and Patnanungan in Quezon, the islands of Haponan and Lahuy in Camarines Sur, and the island of Catanduanes. The activities done in these field visits include:

Touring the power plant used to provide electricity in the island and noting the different energy generating technologies being utilized.
Interview LGUs, electric cooperatives, and island residents regarding the state of electrification in off-grid islands.

Email: Prof. Joey D. Ocon, Ph.D. (Project Leader)