Feasibility of Remote Off-grid Processing Facilities in the Philippines

Abstract

The investigation evaluates the feasibility of moving Improv’eat operations off the grid in terms of energy and water use. Discounted cash flow and risk analyses are used to consider the practicality of incorporating renewable energy technologies (hydropower, solar photovoltaic, solar tube, biomass and combined heat and power) to meet two energy demand scenarios (21kW and 12kW). The viability of rainwater harvesting and its cost savings are analyzed to meet current water demand of 150 gallons/day. Our energy results suggest hydropower offers the highest return and least risk, while solar PV offers the lowest positive returns under all scenarios when including feed-in-tariffs. In terms of water investigation, a rainwater storage unit ~50,000 litter capacity is recommended to meet monthly water demand and provide annual cost savings of USD$103 to USD$109.