THE Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority and Freeport now takes power from the sun. Located in San Ramon, it is the only special economic zone for Visayas and Mindanao, and today, it is the only solar-powered special economic zone in Mindanao.
“It is one of our mandates to come up with a project that will sustain our electricity (supply) by way of renewables.” says Zambo Ecozone Chairman and Administrator, Raul M. Regondola. “It is beneficial to us to have this type of solar project because it will lessen our cost of electricity,’ Regondola adds.
The grid-tied solar rooftop system was installed by Greenergy Solar, Mindanao’s first commercial solar service provider. According to project manager, Engineer Remuel Aca-ac, the system was originally contracted for 60 kilowatts. However, Greenergy went the extra mile to install 113 solar panels and at 540 watts each thus, the system is now able to supply over the contracted capacity at peak generation.
“We are always eager to support government agencies and institutions who are going green by way of their electricity supply. The management of the Zamboanga ecozone is taking great leadership in clean energy not only in Mindanao but the entire Philippines and they must be emulated,” says Greenergy Solar Chief of Operations, Andrew Donggay.
On the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, the Zambo Eco-Zone is poised to be the leading example for local government offices of other municipalities in using electricity from sources that are renewable and without dirty pollution, but also natural and abundant in the Philippines like the sun. And thus, solar not only makes the air cleaner and clearer, it also makes the country more energy-independent while contributing to climate action and sustainable development.
Economic-wise, this move of the Ecozone also benefits its locators who will be passed on the reduced cost of electricity. Engr. Aca-ac makes further note of the high return of investment. “The payback time is only about 5 years,” he adds.
Regondola looks on the long-term benefits in his office’s clamouring for renewable energy. “I am recommending (solar) to other ecozones and similar stakeholders’” Regondola declares.