Solar-powered boat sails in Palawan

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) recently launched the solar-powered boat Adlao Azul, capable of delivering basic goods across remote island communities in Palawan as well as promote energy-efficient transportation.

Adlao Azul sailed for the first time in the waters of Coron, Palawan, with USAID Philippines Environmental Officer Dr. Paul Brown and representatives from the Coron municipality and Sangat Island Resort on board.

Palawan hosts a number of tourist sites, including El Nido and Coron, as well as unique flora and fauna. Regarded as the country’s last ecological frontier, Palawan struggles to keep its ecosystems intact while advocating for sustainable tourism.

Developed by Oceantera Energy Corporation through a P25-million grant under USAID’s Energy Secure Philippines project, Adlao Azul is equipped with a US-made battery system and high efficiency bifacial solar panels, allowing it to cruise for over six hours on clean energy.

It comes with a cooler and freezer storage for transporting food, vaccines, medical supplies – enabling it to deliver emergency supplies especially during power outages and natural disasters – and other essential goods for residents of Coron, Culion and Busuanga islands.

“USAID has been working closely with the national and local governments, as well as with the private sector to expand the use of renewable energy across different sectors,” Brown said in a statement.

“We look forward to our continued partnership with the private sector, particularly with investors, resort owners and boat operators to support a low-carbon ecosystem,” he added.

“These (solar-powered boats) are very transformative technologies that address not only climate change mitigation but also support the livelihood and economy of communities. I am hoping that this be replicated in other islands.” Said Climate Change Commission’s former assistant secretary Joy Goco.

After the launch of Adlao Azul, USAID and Oceantera will work to expand the commercial availability of clean energy-powered boats in Palawan by documenting supplier networks and regulations, establishing franchise agreements, and linking potential funders with clients, such as boat operators and builders.