$300-million ADB loan to support DoE rooftop solar, efficiency programs

THE Department of Energy (DoE) said it is hoping to tap a $300-million loan package from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) this year to launch a program supporting the use of rooftop solar energy and efficient appliances in public schools and government hospitals.

Patrick T. Aquino, director at the Energy Utilization Management Bureau, said the loan facility is still awaiting approval by the Investment Coordination Committee of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development.

“Optimistically, (the program) can start by the fourth quarter of 2026. Realistically, 2027 already,” Mr. Aquino told BusinessWorld, referring to the target launch of the program.

Once approved, the program will run for five years, with the capacity generated from the projects expected to help achieve the targets set by the National Renewable Energy Program.

The first phase will cover about 100 buildings from 2026 to 2028 and the second about 300 buildings from 2028 to 2031, according to a project document published by the ADB.

The program also seeks to accelerate the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP), which requires all government buildings to reduce their monthly energy consumption by at least 10%.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed Administrative Order No. 15 in January 2024, which directs the accelerated implementation of the GEMP.

As the Middle East war disrupts the global oil market, the government has moved to more closely monitor government fuel and electricity consumption by 10-20% by year’s end. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera