Solar Powered Water Pumps in Philippines

In 40 agrarian reform communities in Philippines PV-powered water pumps will be installed in irrigation systems. The Spanish government supports this project within the so-called Solar Power Technology Support (SPOTS) by a mixed credit facility of about $64 millions.

The project is an integrated solar power-based package focused on agricultural productivity, agribusiness development, community development and social development. Under the project, various systems that will be installed in the selected ARCs include PV-powered water pumps in irrigation, PV-powered incubators and hatcheries for agribusiness activities, PV-powered community lighting (schools, barangay hall), and PV-powered vaccine refrigerator for rural health clinics, among others.

If the project will commence as scheduled on January 2003, it will be completed in 2005. Phase I and Phase II will be done in the period of 18 months each whereby each phase considers 40 communities. Aside from providing for adequate energy and electricity in 80 agrarian reform communities, it will also give basic needs such as infrastructure and potable water supply to the communities.