Enhancing the Resilience of
Off-Grid Areas through Grid
Modernization and
Hybridization
Enhancing the Resilience of Off-Grid Areas through Grid Modernization and Hybridization
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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
- Capability Building: Delivery of nationwide workshops, including interactive sessions in Luzon, Visayas-Mindanao, and an additional Mindanao leg, that equipped ECs with essential expertise and practical skills in off-grid hybridization, and provided training for over 35 ECs on renewable energy (RE) integration. Hosted the 2025 Philippine Power Investment and Innovation Summit and the 2026 EC Summit: Powering a Secure and Resilient Energy Infrastructure Through Innovative Financial Solutions to equip EC leaders with practical and forward-looking tools for a resilient and sustainable energy transition.
- Policy Frameworks and Knowledge Products: Development and launch of the Grid Modernization and Hybridization Guidebook, which compiled extensive research and technical information on Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) (including policy, technology, and case studies) for electric cooperatives. Also, developed a policy paper outlining a finance-ready roadmap to accelerate the energy transition of ECs serving off-grid and missionary areas in the Philippines.
- Stakeholder Coordination and Partnership: Secured a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (PHILRECA), and engaged and collaborated with key stakeholders including the Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR), to promote energy transition in off-grid and remote areas and address the concerns of the ECs.
- Catalyzed Efforts to Develop HRES for Pilots: Developed initial simulations and provided active technical assistance and pre-feasibility studies for HRES potential within five pilot cooperatives: Batangas II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BATELEC II), Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DASURECO), Marinduque Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MARELCO), Quezon II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (QUEZELCO II), and Samar I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SAMELCO I). Two of the pilot ECs (BATELEC II and DASURECO) had their studies board-approved and presented their plans to banks and investors at the Philippine Power Investment and Innovation Summit in May 2025, increasing the likelihood of successful project implementation.
- Project Successors: Partnered with PHILRECA to establish the Project Risk Pooling for Electric Cooperatives (Project RPEC), a risk-pooling mechanism that provides sustainable financial protection for ECs and strengthens disaster resilience across the Philippines’ rural energy sector. Additionally, launched the Renewable Energy Advancement and Leadership (REAL) PH Program, an action-oriented incubator empowering EC decision-makers to champion and implement renewable energy projects within their franchise areas.
Clients and Partners
“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.”
Antonio Mariano C. Almeda
Administrator
National Electrification Administration
“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.”
Mario Marasigan
Administrator
Department of Energy Undersecretary
“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.”
Lawrence Ang
Chairman
Climate Smart Ventures