The National Power Corporation (Napocor) has partnered with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) to utilize the latter’s space science and technology applications for electrification solutions.
In a statement, Napocor said a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the two parties was finalized on Wednesday.
The state-run firm stated that the MOA encompassed Napocor’s activities and projects, including pre-construction and site monitoring of its off-grid power facilities, post-disaster recovery assessments, and dams and watershed management, among others.
Fernando Martin Roxas, Napocor president and chief executive officer, said he has high hopes that the partnership will enable the two agencies to perform more efficiently and effectively in achieving their respective mandates.
“This is a partnership between two highly complementary entities. PhilSA is a high-tech agency because it is within the boundaries of technology, while Napocor is a high-touch agency, a mission-driven organization devoted to the electrification of geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas,” Roxas said.
Based on the latest data, Napocor supervises 274 Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) plants nationwide, spanning 238 areas and 188 municipalities across 34 provinces in the country.
SPUG plants are located in islands and communities that are not connected to the main transmission grid, which are mostly powered by diesel-fired generators.
Napocor also manages the transmission systems of island provinces, including Palawan, Catanduanes, Masbate, Marinduque, and Mindoro.
It is also tasked with overseeing watersheds and locating indigenous sources of power.
