Renewable Energy Association of the Philippines (REAP)

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Solar Power from Plastic Foils
By Dr. Sibylle Orgeldinger, Contributor
July 20, 2012

Karlsruhe, Germany: A group of researchers headed by Dr. Alexander Colsmann at the Light Technology Institute (LTI) will start work this month on organic solar cells. The project is scheduled for a duration of four years and aims at enhancing the efficiency of organic solar cells to more than 10 percent. For this purpose, the researchers use tandem architectures combining solar cells of complementary absorption spectra. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research has granted funding of EUR 4.25 million.

The new generation of solar cells is light, flexible, semi-transparent, and allows for a low-cost production. Organic solar cells (plastic solar cells) can be applied to surfaces of nearly any shape by state-of-the-art printing and coating processes. Organic photovoltaics open up new perspectives in particular for the architectural design of buildings. The solar modules can be integrated in facades and even windows. In addition, they open up new OEM applications in the automotive or consumer sectors.

Organic solar cells are fabricated by low-cost printing and coating processes, such as gravure printing, screen printing, slot-die coating or spray coating in continuous roll-to-roll processes. Plastic carriers provide for the mechanical flexibility of the modules. At the same time, organic solar cells are characterized by an extremely low consumption of environmentally compatible resources, unprob-lematic disposal, and a very short energy payback time.

Still, organic solar cells exhibit moderate power conversion efficiencies only. For them to be able to compete with established inorganic solar cells, extensive research is required. The early career scientists in the team of Dr. Alexander Colsmann, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), use so-called tandem architectures. Two solar cells with complementary absorption characteristics are stacked directly on top of each other to achieve better sunlight harvesting and more efficient energy conversion.

The KIT scientists use novel materials, develop innovative device architectures, optimize their stability, and test the solar cells in a real-life environment. Moreover, they transfer man-ufacturing processes from the laboratory to an industry-compatible production environment in order promote future commercial use of their results. “The funding of EUR 4.25 million granted by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) reflects the quality of our work,” Colsmann says. He heads the Organic Photovoltaics Group at the Light Technology Institute of KIT.

In this project the KIT researchers are supported by the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research (IAP), Potsdam, represented by Dr. Hartmut Krüger, and the University of Queensland/Australia, represented by Professor Paul Burn, who supply new materials for organic solar cells. Merck KGaA is the industry advisor of the project.

Dr. Sibylle Orgeldinger is a freelance writer and editor based in Karlsruhe, Germany. Writing for print and electronic media, she covers a wide range of issues in science and technology but specializes in energy research topics.
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Solar Energy, Solar Tech

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The Role of REAP in the Promotion, Utilization and Commercialization of Renewable Energy for Economic Development
by Oly Roy Olegario Serafica on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 11:44pm ·



The Role of REAP in the Promotion, Utilization and Commercialization of Renewable Energy for Economic Development



The Renewable Energy Association of the Philippines (REAP) was incorporated in 1985 as a non-stock, non-profit organization of companies and private individuals committed to the nationwide development, promotion, utilization and commercialization of renewable energy technologies/systems for sustainable energy generation. REAP evolved from a smaller organization called Solar Industries Association of the Philippines (SIAP) composed mainly of companies and individuals involved in solar photovoltaic and thermal systems. SIAP was encouraged by the Office of Energy Affairs (now the Department of Energy) to expand and include the different fields of renewable energy.



REAP serves as umbrella organization for the renewable energy sector. Under its wings are the sectoral organizations: (1) Philippine Solar Energy Society (PSES) for solar PV and thermal; (2) Biomass Energy Association of the Philippines (BEAP) for biomass energy; (3) Wind Energy Association of the Philippines (WEAP) mainly for the mechanical applications of wind energy; and (4) Microhydro Energy Association of the Philippines (MEAPhil) for micro and pico-hydro energy



The REAP has established mutual cooperation and working relationship with the Confederation of Renewable Energy Sources (CORE) on general policy and institutional issues and concerns pertaining to the renewable energy industry and with the Energy Efficiency Practitioners Association of the Philippines (ENPAP) formerly ENMAP, regarding energy efficiency and conservation.



REAP is a member/affiliate of organizations and councils involved in energy, environment and technology. These are the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA), International Hydro Association (IHA), Energy Council of the Philippines which is the Philippine Chapter of the World Energy Council (WEC), Confederation of Renewable Energy Sources (CORE), Energy Development and Utilization Foundation, Inc. (EDUFI), Energy Efficiency Practitioners Association of the Philippines (ENPAP), Philippine Solar Power Alliance (PSPA), Philippine Association of Small Hydro (PASSHYDRO), Association of Wind Energy Producers of the Philippines (AWEPP), Philippine Renewable Energy Network and RE Coalition (for the passage of the RE bill in Congress).



Mission



REAP’s mission is to provide an avenue for the key players in the private sector to ventilate and exchange ideas, views and expertise on various renewable energy technologies/systems and to develop an environment of unity and cooperation conducive to the sustained development, promotion, utilization and commercialization of renewable energy.





Vision



The vision of REAP is to be the lead organization of an industry that is involved in critical and vital issues in the social, environmental and economic aspects of national development. The association shall actively coordinate with government in matters affecting the industry, its members, its market and the public in general. The Association believes in a responsive organization that correlates and consolidates the interests of the varied RE sectors, promotes cooperation and goodwill, and advocates adherence to standards while stimulating innovation and technological advancement in its field.



Objectives



In support to its mission and vision, the Association is pursuing the following objectives:



To serve as an institutional and implementing arm for the development, promotion, utilization and commercialization of Renewable Energy Technologies and Systems;
To establish sectoral representations of the various renewable energy fields;
To aggressively create a nationwide market demand and promote the potentials and utilization of renewable energy;
To influence and convince government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private institutions for the promotion and marketing of RE technologies/systems;
To establish linkages with international institutions for cooperation, technology exchange and support to projects on renewable energy inclusive of social, economic and environmental concerns;
To undertake symposia, special-run seminars and training programs for target audiences;
To undertake income generating activities to support and sustain operations, programs and projects;
To influence and convince government to adopt a long-term policy shift towards a renewable energy infrastructure system.



REAP’s Role in the Promotion and Commercialization of Renewable Energy Technologies and Systems



Promotion Strategies



Intensify awareness on renewable energy technologies (RET)



This is an ongoing and continuing activity which shall include emerging technologies.



Strengthen cooperation and links with local and international institutions



The association actively cooperates with the concerned government agencies like the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National Electrification Administration (NEA), and National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR), the Philippine Association of Renewable Energy Centers (PAREC), Energy Council of the Philippines, Confederation of Renewable Energy Sources (CORE), local NGOs and affiliated organizations, and is establishing linkages with the ASEAN Center for Energy (ACE), US/ECRE, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the European Commission, the Australian Trade Commission, German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS) and other international organizations.



Create and maintain a database structure for renewable energy stakeholders
Prepare unified papers on certain issues concerning renewable energy development, promotion, utilization and commercialization
Conduct seminars, symposia and training programs for specific needs
Establish, strengthen and support energy sectoral groups for solar, wind, biomass, microhydro and other RE technologies
Publish industry magazine, newsletters and promotional materials



Commercialization Strategies



The Association recognizes the major and critical role/support of the government in the development, promotion, and utilization of RETs. Effective commercialization of such technologies/systems however, depends mainly on private sector initiatives. The government and international donor organizations should minimize if not refrain from donating or unnecessarily subsidizing RE projects involving mature technologies for the commercial market which would unintentionally or indirectly pose competition to the private sector. The end-user should be made aware of, recognize, accept and bear the true cost of the RE system in order to stimulate commercialization. Donations and subsidies should be channeled instead as support structures like training, service and monitoring facilities.



Specific Commercialization Action Plans:



Study and conduct market development activities on solar (PV / thermal), biomass, wind, microhydro and other maturing RE technologies (i.e. ocean energy).



Opportunities which will consequently develop with the deployment of RE systems should be identified and implemented not only to alleviate poverty and improve living conditions but to provide livelihood opportunities as well.



Conduct and package feasibility studies and pre-investment project planning



Expertise in project packaging is inadequate particularly in small rural projects. Chances of project approval may be enhanced with acquired knowledge on proper project packaging techniques.



Develop proposals to pilot and establish distribution networks and service facilities of suppliers who are members of REAP



Common or pooled facilities will greatly improve sales and service capabilities with reduced cost.



Identify available financing sources and help arrange/access affordable financing packages



Project financing possibilities are adequately identified and presented by the financing experts and government finance institutions (GFIs) although accessibility and affordability of these financing packages need more government/donor support.



Serve as intermediary for joint-ventures, sales/marketing partnerships between local and international companies



The commercial and trade departments of the various embassies/consulates can course queries and proposals for sales representations, joint-ventures and also for Philippine RE products to REAP in order to facilitate faster and more direct dissemination to appropriate parties



Develop local capability to supply suitable local products and services



Several RE programs have created the opportunity to locally develop fundamental components such as deep-cycle batteries, charge regulators, converters/inverters, mounting frames, lamps and other RE devices.



Identify and seek government incentives and assistance



While the Association does not advocate subsidies, it sees a lot of areas where government should show political will to mandate renewable energy implementation. It suggests among others, mandatory usage of renewable energy where appropriate or applicable (e.g. solar water heater for motels, manufacturing and other industries needing large quantities of hot water, solar home systems for remote houses/villages with very low energy requirements instead of grid connections), tax incentives, concessionary and easily-accessible financing facilities, government assisted training, testing and service facilities/programs.



Study and prepare an accreditation scheme and program for RE suppliers and technicians



While this is a long-range objective, accreditation will distinguish legitimate suppliers/technicians/practitioners from fly-by-night operators; discourage short-selling and under-design tricks. The program may include type-approval of RE products. This industry self-policing scheme will weed-out undesirables and help establish/increase confidence in RE technologies.



Conduct supplier-user interaction



Effective interaction would solicit and encourage idea/experience interchange, comments, complaints and suggestions/recommendations such that appropriate measures can be implemented.



Private Sector Concerns and Challenges



The following concerns and challenges should be addressed in order to attain wide-scale utilization of RE systems:



Influencing the Government to adopt a long-term policy shift towards a renewable energy infrastructure system.



The existing power and energy infrastructures are very much geared on conventional systems. In recognition of the advantages and also the limitations of RE, REAP has advocated legislation and policies that encourage/mandate the inclusion of RE in the energy infrastructure system. With the passage of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, the RE industry awaits the policy/incentive mechanisms proposed by the National Renewable Energy Board.



Sectoralization in RE Technology



More attention on the development and commercialization of the major RE technologies is attained by establishing sectoral grouping by technology, i.e. solar, biomass, wind, microhydro and ocean. This approach will pave the equal and balanced development of every RE technology. Bonding together common interests is expected to establish networking and cooperation for each RE sector.



Developing RE System Standards



The commercialization of RE technologies will be hastened by adopting standards for the industry. These standards should be developed jointly by the government, the technology suppliers and the energy consumers. Adopting standards will promote healthy competition among suppliers, and at the same time protect users of RE technologies. The pricing of RE technologies will follow a logical pattern and allow prospective users to make intelligent decisions in the choice/purchase/adoption of RE systems.



In addition to the foregoing concerns, leaders in the industry sector consider the following issues crucial in the expanded use of RE systems in the country:



“Relatively high cost” of electricity generated from renewable sources of energy compared to conventional power plants



The claim that electricity generated from renewable energy costs higher relative to conventional power plants is not necessarily accurate. In reality, it is often overlooked that conventional systems enjoy certain levels of subsidies. The subsidies are direct and indirect which had been part of the system for a long time that it is rarely noticed. Examples of these subsidies are the government guarantees on loans granted to the power generating plants. Environmental costs are also not imputed in the calculation of generation costs of fossil-fueled power plants.



Environmental impacts of renewable energy and CDM credits



RE systems are more environmental friendly, and therefore should be adopted and preferred for long term energy infrastructures. CDM incentives can make RE systems more competitive.



Requirement for open access to transmission and distribution lines



Transmission and distribution lines should be considered as fixed infrastructures and should allow priority and reasonable access by RE powered generating plants.



Need for a Nationwide RE Systems Service/Monitoring Centers



Many RE system suppliers contend that the cost of RE technologies can be significantly reduced if the servicing of the installed systems can be done locally or within the region where the installation is located. Commercialization of RE systems can be enhanced if regional servicing /monitoring centers for RE systems can be established.



The Association has long suggested that present subsidies for conventional energy sources be converted into development funds to establish RE support/service infrastructure in order that selling prices of RE technologies/systems can be offered on purely supply basis only.



RE programs should be resource-driven and not technology-driven



Many government projects are technology driven, i.e. solar systems are implemented in areas where more viable resources like hydro are available. The government and the other institutional organizations should develop and implement projects giving priority to the RE resource available at the locality before considering easy- and fast-to-deploy RE Technologies like solar.





Affordable RE System Prices



The economics behind the use of RE technologies is as equally significant as the technical feasibility of the technology. It is crucial that RE systems must be available at affordable prices in order to gain widespread utilization. Significant reduction in prices of RE technologies is much awaited, yet such significant price reductions have been long in coming.



Easily-Accessible/Available and Affordable Financing



While project financing is available, the private sector would seek and request for more progressive definition of “accessible” and “affordable” particularly for smaller countryside projects such as PV and pico-hydro, where paying capabilities and financial feasibility justifications are very marginal.



In view of the issues discussed, it is suggested that the following points be considered to encourage private investments in RE systems.



SOME RECOMMENDATIONS TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT OR RENEWABLE SOURCES OF ENERGY BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR



Provide better incentives than those currently available for the development and utilization of renewable sources of energy, co-generation, waste to energy conversion and energy-efficiency projects.
Remove bureaucratic barriers to development and approval of such projects. In particular: establish a “one-stop shop” for permits, approvals and licenses; make the rules and requirements transparent, clear cut (especially for response times and monetary requirements) and unbiased.
Allow the private sector to use or access low-cost funds provided through Official Development Assistance (O.D.A.) in the development of renewable and energy-efficiency projects. Some of the conventional power plants were funded by ODA and similar financing.
Translate or convert the environmental impacts of conventional power plants into monetary terms through the imposition of levies for environmentally harmful emissions of power plants and use the funds to promote/develop RE systems. This is an effective strategy for enhancing the competitiveness of RE with conventional energy systems. An alternative of this approach is a strict implementation of environmental safeguards/requirements that will compel the conventional systems to adhere to environmental requirements similar to RE power plants. This will be a step towards a level playing-field for RE and conventional energy systems.
Exempt the small (total not to exceed 5% of connected load) renewable sources of electricity from payment of wheeling charges on transmission and distribution lines.





The Renewable Energy Association of the Philippines (REAP)



REAP is a private sector organization recognized and endorsed by the Department of Energy (DOE). The Association is committed to the development, promotion, utilization and commercialization of renewable energy system. REAP is the umbrella organization of the following sectoral groups:



Biomass Energy Association of the Philippines (BEAP)

Secretariat: c/o PADISCOR

114 Plaza Rizal, Pasig City



Microhydro Energy Association of the Philippines (MEAPhil)

Secretariat: c/o PNOC Renewables, PNOC Bldg. VI, Energy Center

Merritt Road, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Metro Manila



Philippine Solar Energy Society (PSES)

Secretariat: c/o Solar Laboratory

University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City



Wind Energy Association of the Philippines (WEAP)

Secretariat: c/o CPU-AREC, Central Philippine University

Iloilo City



Affiliated Organizations:

- Energy Efficiency Practitioners Association of the Philippines (formerly ENMAP)

- Energy Council of the Philippines

- Energy Development & Utilization Foundation, Inc.

- Philippine Renewable Energy Network

- Philippine Solar Power Alliance (PSPA)

- Philippine Association of Small Scale Hydro (PASSHYDRO)

- Association of Wind Energy Producers of the Philippines

- Confederation of Renewable Energy Sources

- RE Coalition



International Affiliations:

- World Wind Energy Association (WWEA)

- International Hydro Association (IHA)

- World Energy Council (WEC)

- International Solar Energy Society (ISES)

RENEWABLE ENERGY is like a flood of challenges and opportunities; it is up to you whether you manage it with a BUCKET or a SPOON... Support Renewables... Go GREEN.