ElectriPHI Program publishes an Energy Strategy Paper on 100% Transition Pathways for 208 Mini-grid Islands in the Philippines

Mecaelah Palaganas • July 1, 2024
The ElectriPHI Program has recently published an article titled “Transition pathways to 100 % renewable energy in 208 island mini-grids in the Philippines”. The publication was a collaboration among the project staff - Asst. Prof. Michael Castro, Prof. Joey Ocon and a collaborator from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Academy Dr. Laurence L. Delina. The article was published in Elsevier’s Journal of Energy Strategy Reviews on February 2, 2024. 

The article examines transitioning Philippine off-grid island mini-grids to 100% renewable energy (RE) by 2050, facing challenges due to high initial costs of RE technologies. The authors propose a gradual RE adoption to manage costs, leveraging expected technology cost reductions. They model the shift using data from 208 mini-grids, advocating gradual adoption to minimize economic impacts. Market dynamics alone may not achieve 100% RE penetration; alternative scenarios like biodiesel integration or accepting some unmet load are explored. Challenges include intermittent RE technology and the affordability-reliability-sustainability tradeoff. Despite hurdles, a 100% RE transition is deemed feasible, emphasizing strategic planning for sustainable, reliable energy systems.

You may access the article here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2024.101315
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The authors would like to acknowledge the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies’ Support Fund for Interdisciplinary Research Collaboration, ElectriPHI Program funded by the University of the Philippines Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs Emerging Inter-Disciplinary Research Grant, and the CIPHER Project (IIID 2018- 008) funded by The Commission on Higher Education – Philippine California Advanced Research Institutes (currently CHED-LAKAS Program).

Article by: Arizeo Salac

LEE participates in PyPSA workshop

By Mecaelah Palaganas • November 30, 2024
LEE research staff and graduate students participated in an in-house training and workshop on the Python for Power Systems Analysis (PyPSA) toolbox on October 9 and 23, 2024 . The sessions were led by Arizeo Salac (SRS 1, ElectriPHI), who returned from a six-month research sandwich program at the Reiner Lemoine Institute in Berlin, Germany , where he focused on data-driven decision-making and energy systems modeling. The training included a detailed discussion on energy systems modeling, with key topics such as data sources and the representation of energy systems using both conventional and renewable technologies. Participants received hands-on assistance with the software setup and installation, followed by simulation activities that showcased PyPSA’s capabilities in energy and power systems analysis. Mr. Salac also presented his baseline model of the Philippine energy system, which can be utilized for energy transition scenario planning. The event aimed to enhance participants' proficiency with open-source modeling tools, share best practices in modeling, and support their research in energy systems. Article by: Sophia Lunor

LEE among Filipino Delegates at the ASEAN Battery Technology Conference in Singapore

By Mecaelah Palaganas • November 30, 2024
Prof. Joey D. Ocon, Dr. Julie Anne D.R. Paraggua, Dr. Lawrence Limjuco, and Giancarlo Sanglay were among the Filipino delegates at the 2nd ASEAN Battery Technology Conference , held from August 21 to 23, 2024 , at the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa in Singapore. Themed "Powering ASEAN: Innovating the Future of Battery," the event was co-organized by key ASEAN associations from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. They were accompanied by LEE member and graduate student, Giancarlo Sanglay and NextGen Project Chief Technical Specialist, Dr. Lawrence Limjuco, of the Advanced Batteries Center. The conference aimed to foster connections among researchers, engineers, and industry stakeholders within the battery and electric vehicle (EV) sectors. It provided a platform for knowledge exchange, technical discussions, and potential collaborations. Key topics included the development of the Battery and EV Roadmap for Southeast Asia, as well as government policies and regulations surrounding battery and energy storage systems (ESS) applications. Industry leaders and academic experts also addressed technological advancements in battery materials, financial support for innovations, and strategies for managing the end-of-life value chain of batteries. Prof. Ocon, who also serves as Co-Founder of Nascent Batteries, played an active role in the event by moderating a panel discussion on advancing ESS technologies in Asia. The panel featured representatives from prominent organizations, including EDP Renewables APAC, Green Tenaga Pte Ltd, and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. This collaborative event underscored the region's commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and highlighted the critical role of ASEAN countries in driving innovation within the battery and EV industries. Article by: Lora Monique Sapanta

Hello, LEE, Goodbye: Lab Members bid adieu to departing colleagues

By Mecaelah Palaganas • November 30, 2024
The Laboratory of Electrochemical Engineering (LEE) held a despedida party to bid farewell to two of its active members — Ms. Rosela Lazaro and Asst. Prof. Michael Castro — as they embark on a new chapter of their academic journey. The LEE members, along with their laboratory head, Prof. Joey D. Ocon, celebrated through a friendly competition at the Ever Gotesco Bowling Alley, Commonwealth Avenue last August 19, 2024. This also fostered camaraderie and strengthened the bond and friendship between the lab members. Ms. Lazaro will be studying MS in Environmental Science and Engineering at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea. Meanwhile, Asst. Prof. Castro will be pursuing a doctorate degree in Nuclear Engineering and Management at the University of Tokyo, Japan. He will be returning to UP Diliman to tend to his duties at the Department of Chemical Engineering. Indeed, ‘goodbyes’ are not the end. It marks a beginning of a new ‘hello’, a step closer to making dreams come true. To Sir Michael, ganbatte! To Sela, hwaiting! We are all rooting for you both! Article by: Lora Monique Sapanta
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