A BRIGHT, ELECTRIC FUTURE

The Future Energy Show & Solar Show Philippines electrified interest In renewables at SMX Manila from May 15 to 16, 2023.

Over 9,500 people gathered in Halls 2 to 4 for the largest energy and solar event in the country, showcasing the latest solutions and advancements in sustainable energy.

"We want to be the biggest renewable energy event in the Philippines. So we are hosting over 150 exhibitors, displaying the latest solutions and technologies in renewable energy, particularly covering solar and storage," said Terrapin Events Organizer Danielle Filipinas.

LEAGUE highlights several notable exhibitors in the annual event's ninth staging.

POWERING THE WORLD

The Tesla Powerwall is an integrated battery system charged by the sun. Connected to a solar inverter, Powerwall converts direct current (DC) electricity generated by the solar panel/s into alternating current (AC) electricity. It can store 13,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) for either backup or primary power.

With technology becoming more mobile, battery power is now more crucial than ever. The Hive Energy PH Powercell offers 1280Wh in a briefcase-size package, which recharges via AC or solar. It has four AC outlets, a DC port, and a monitor which shows battery percentage and output, with higher energy options.

Meanwhile, Bluetti power stations may not be as portable, but they have a wide array of energy storage options that can back up entire homes in case of a blackout. It also recharges via AC or solar.

Going green is easy with OpenSolar. Its free design and proposal software creates fully rendered three-dimensional models of homes or businesses, including shade reports and heat maps to simulate when and where sunlight would hit.

The company also has a catalog of suppliers, so users don't have to look elsewhere to check for compatibility.

Fost Solar takes mobility to another level with its floating solar panels. Placed on ballasts, the panels are water- and air-tight. They are also crack-, puncture-, penetration-, and hydrolysis-resistant, which prevents chemicals from damaging the panel in the water. The solar panels can also be linked together to generate more electricity.

Saltric uses water currents to harness electricity with the Marissa Turbine, which can deploy in any body of water (oceans, rivers, lakes, etc.). The vertical tidal turbine can work independently, and connect to battery storage or even the electric grid to provide up to 1kW, enough for two homes.

The SSS electric motorcycle by Better Technology Co. has a maximum range of 100 kilometers (km) and a top speed of 60 km/h on a single charge. It's faster and more cost-efficient than public transportation; the average cost to charge electric scooters is "20 to 25 centavos/ km," said Electric Kick Scooter Philippines Founder Tim Vargas.

Building contractors looking to go green also have plenty of options. The Wind Energy Technology Era Renewable (WETER) designed by Denis Taglin provides buildings with their own electricity. Blades on the building's exterior move whenever there is airflow, generating power. Underneath, KRAH Pipes Manila has been installing advanced manholes, pipes, and fittings. Made from polyethylene/ polypropylene, these are leak-free, sustainable, flexible, and they are rated for 100 years. Currently, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DWH), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Maynilad, and Manila Water use KRAH pipes.

EMPOWERING ONE ANOTHER

The two-day event also featured keynotes from industry leaders, such as Undersecretary Cristina Guevara of the Department of Energy (DOE); President Fernando Martin Roxas of the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR); Assistant Vice President Christian Ereno of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP); and Senior Vice President Ronnie Aperocho of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco).

Over 120 experts shared valuable insights and knowledge on alternative renewables, energy storage, large scale solar, rooftop solar, rural electrification, smart grid / transmission & distribution, and the Solar Installer University workshops. All conference sessions were free and happened simultaneously across four different stages, with the schedules and lineup of speakers available via the Terrapin app.

Guests were able to network face-to-face with the exhibitors to build each other's brands, get ideas on their next clean power system from start-ups and global brands, and create strategic partnerships with the movers and shakers in the energy industry.

One of the newest additions to the expo is the Solar Installer University. Terrapin partnered with the Association of Solar Installers of the Philippines for a series of technical workshops. "It is also open to beginners who want to venture into the solar installation business. At the same time, we also have advanced workshops [and open forum] for those who are already within the solar installation business, but want to know more about how to troubleshoot, etc," said Filipinas,

"Overall, this [expo] is the biggest because I think the biggest one we ever had [attracted] 6,000 attendees for two days (in 2022)," she added. But just on the first day, the event already had 6,000 attendees, which Terrapin looks forward to beating in their 10th anniversary next May. The floor plan for the next event is already sold out, according to the organizers.