Enhancing the Resilience of Off-Grid Areas through Grid Modernization and Hybridization in the Philippines
(Project Boost)
Impact Video
Background of the Project
Climate Smart Ventures (CSV) launched a three-year project in 2023 to support electric cooperatives (ECs) in modernizing off-grid systems, advancing the energy transition, and improving electricity service reliability across the Philippines’ 7,000+ islands.
ECs in the Philippines operate as membership-based nonprofit electricity providers, and they play a significant role in energy infrastructure development for remote areas of the country.
The program, Enhancing the Resilience of Off-Grid Areas through Grid Modernization and Hybridization (“Project Boost”), also strengthens EC innovation capabilities by connecting personnel to the latest global technology and financing trends.
Actions and Outcomes
- Produced extensive research and technical information on hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES), including policy and regulatory background, technology aspects, development approaches, and case studies, compiled into a comprehensive and publicly available Grid Modernization and Hybridization Guidebook for electric cooperatives and provided training for over 35 ECs on renewable energy (RE) integration.
- Organized interactive workshops–covering Luzon, Visayas-Mindanao, and an additional Mindanao leg–for policymakers, electric cooperatives and other stakeholders to help integrate RE into off-grid systems.
Actively supporting at least five pilot ECs with technical assistance for the development of their HRES. Two of the pilot ECs—Batangas II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BATELEC II) and Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DASURECO)—had their studies board-approved for presentation at the Philippine Power Investment and Innovation Summit in May 2025, where they shared their plans with banks, investors, and industry stakeholders. This exposure highlighted their leadership and commitment to advancing renewable energy projects and increased their likelihood of successfully implementing these projects. The remaining pilot ECs are currently in discussions to finalize their respective HRES studies.
Outcome
Produced a comprehensive and publicly available “Grid Modernization and Hybridization Guidebook” for electric cooperatives and provided training for over 35 ECs on renewable energy (RE) integration.
Moving Forward
To further support ECs, CSV has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. (PHILRECA) to establish a risk-pooling mechanism that provides sustainable financial protection for ECs and strengthens disaster resilience across the Philippines’ rural energy sector. CSV is also in discussions with various partners in the project about additional spin-off projects to support clean energy in offgrid areas of the Philippines.
Clients and Partners
Quotes during Project Boost Events
Antonio Mariano C. Almeda
National Electrification Administration Administrator
“I want to emphasize that achieving sustainable energy access in off-grid areas is not merely an option, rather, it is an essential step for building resilient communities and ensuring social equity. This pursuit requires the collective effort of stakeholders across various sectors to make it into a reality.”
Mario Marasigan
Department of Energy Undersecretary
“Think bold, act collaboratively and commit firmly. Let us empower our cooperatives, support our investors, and work together to light up every corner of the country.”
Lawrence Ang
CSV Managing Partner
“This project builds on momentum generated by the Department of Energy leadership towards a more ambitious climate goal and complements the government’s work in transitioning the Philippines towards cleaner sources of energy. It also helps ensure that our off-grid islands are not left behind and are given access to more affordable, reliable, and cleaner electricity.”