Question:  Several countries, such as Scotland and the Philippines, have recently announced plans to be powered by 100 percent renewable energy. What are the major barriers that these countries face in order to reach this goal? Is 100 percent renewables always achievable or desirable?

Answer: Geography renders the answer exceptionally difficult for the Philippines.  An archipelago with approximately 7,107 islands, the Philippines does not have a unified national grid.  Every island has its own grid – it must stand alone, finding solutions independent of the other islands. Hence, there are as many solutions as there are islands.

Outside of this geography challenge, there are other barriers to conquer:

• Energy conservation:  The first order of business is to minimize energy waste.  The cheapest kWh is the kWh not consumed. Energy conservation for new construction and existing renovation is essential.
• Transmission lines:  Some renewables, like wind, geopower and large solar, often must be transmitted via transmission lines to serve their loads, consuming valuable capital.
• Energy Storage:  With reduced conventional base load generation, the nature of renewable generation will require energy storage to help fill the gap between energy production and demand.
• Smart Grid: Resource Scheduling is essential to match renewable generators with demand, coordinate storage, and shed loads during peaks. This is particularly important for areas like Manila (population 10,000,000+).  Without thermal base load plants to carry the burden, a Smart Grid becomes essential. Effectively predicting weather conditions as it impacts renewable generation and scheduling is also important.
•  New Technologies: Advances are needed in energy storage, Smart Grids, and weather prediction.  Other promising technologies are tidal and ocean current power.  They could be huge resources.
• Land Management: Where land is scarce, decisions must be made on how to use it. Should it be reserved for agriculture, solar farms, homes, job creation? A coordinated approach is needed.

Conclusion: Achieving 100% renewables in the Philippines will be difficult.  Advances in new technologies, planning, and huge infrastructure investments are needed. However, social issues may override some of the needed investment.

Bio for Bob Parkins:

Bob Parkins (www.bobparkinsconsultants.com) is an independent engineer and solar consultant who serves clients worldwide. He has extensive solar and utility experience and offers a full slate of technical and project management services.  He currently is advising on large solar projects in the Philippines, Chile, Mexico and the US.