By Jason de Asis

SENATE OFFICE, Manila, November 14, 2010-Senator Edgardo J. Angara, Chair of the Congressional Commission on Science Technology and Engineering (COMSTE) said that his committee is working with First Philec to open a Philippine solar testing facility next month in Batangas.  

A Public Private Partnership (PPP) that can test different types of solar modules, arrays and balance of systems components for optimal output in tropical conditions facility will be used wherein the said test facility would ideally be a clearinghouse of engineering information on price, performance, reliability of state of the art Photovoltaic (PV) components. 

“The solar testing facility marks the beginning of the proposed Renewable Energy Research and Development Institute (RERDI), which is set to expand the Renewable Energy industry of the country,” Angara said, adding that the developing innovative Renewable Energy Systems can aid in achieving the long term goal of energy independence.

“We can fully utilize PPP and our ties with neighboring countries to stimulate growth in the RE power sector with RERDI,” he said. 

Recently, COMSTE delegation went to Taiwan to meet with the heads of more than 15 solar companies and encourage them to send their solar cells for testing at the new solar testing facility.

Dr. Shigero Niki of Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, who heads their Solar Research and Testing Laboratory expressed interest in sending PV for testing in the Philippines, noting that a testing facility here would be able to identify the proper engineering and technology for PV arrays and components which would be ideal for tropical conditions.  

Dr. Janglin Chen of Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) expressed interest in collaborating with COMSTE to develops the solar testing facility.

Solar cooling assessment, development and demonstration program by the Philippine Green Building Council (PHILGBC)/Institute of Industrial Electrical Engineers/ the De La Salle University and the study of algae as a biofuel are other projects selected by COMSTE for the RERDI.

A team composed of members from Ateneo University, Alson Aquacutlure Inc., and two other photo bio-reactor companies aims to study optimal conditions that will promote the growth of algae and the cleaning of coal fired plants by placing nearby aquaculture ponds.

Power, hybrid RE systems, alternative fuels from solid residue, biodiesel production and development, gasohol related process development, and materials development for energy applications are also tagged as priorities for RERDI. (Jason de Asis)