Energy chief: solar panels for Ayala, Boni tunnels

MANILA, Philippines – Electricity costs and the availability of funds have prompted government agencies to consider the use of solar-powered light emitting diodes (LEDs) at road tunnels in Metro Manila.

Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras told reporters in an interview on Tuesday, May 22, that they plan to use solar-powered LEDs at the Ayala Tunnel, which traverses Edsa, a major thoroughfare, to replicate recent installations at the nearby Boni Tunnel.

Three government agencies — energy and public works departments, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority — are jointly pursuing the project.

“They’re thinking they also want to do Ayala Tunnel since it’s one of the longest tunnels we have. It’s costing a lot so if we can also address that. When I was looking at this project, I said it’s so practical. The tunnel is dark during the day and theres so much sunlight so  we might as well build solar powered lights, solar panels,” Almendras said.

They plan to tap the Asian Development Bank to fund the project as the bank did for the Boni Tunnel, which is 297.20 meter-long, also along EDSA in Mandaluyong City.

The government expects save up to P240,000 a year in electricity costs for Mandaluyong City, which currently spends an average of P570,640 per year on utility costs.

The LED-lighting project is part of an overall effort to use solar technology across the country.

“Our role in the DOE is to pilot it, to show that it works, certify the technologies that work. We have now shown that LED street lighting is really the way to go,” Almendras said. – Rappler.com