PEF, MinREACH to Launch Solar PV Project for Coffee Processing Facility in Bukidnon
The Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) and the Mindanao Renewable Energy Acceleration and Coordination Hub (MinREACH) are set to launch a solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Bukidnon, a key initiative aimed at powering the Bayanihan Millennium Multi-Purpose Cooperative’s (BMMPC) green coffee bean processing facility with renewable energy.
The BMMPC has been PEF’s partner since 2018 in coffee projects in Bukidnon. Under the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) through the GCB Processing and Marketing project, the cooperative was granted a GCB processing facility. The processing facilities will have a total processing capacity of up to 163 MT.
Following an inception meeting on Feb. 25 at the BMMPC office, stakeholders finalized the project scope, technical specifications, and implementation roadmap. The solar PV system, designed as a 26kWp hybrid off-grid/on-grid installation with a 40kWh battery, will enhance the cooperative’s energy reliability while reducing operational costs and carbon emissions.
As part of MinREACH’s broader energy transition efforts, the project goes beyond simply adopting renewable energy—it aims to demonstrate its productive use in agriculture (PURE). By integrating solar PV into coffee processing, the initiative seeks to enhance agricultural efficiency and sustainability, aligning with MinREACH’s commitment to practical, community-driven solutions for energy access.
The solar PV project will also serve as a learning hub for cooperatives, local government units (LGUs), and other stakeholders interested in replicating similar initiatives. The facility will collect and analyze data on energy savings, carbon sequestration, and overall system performance, providing insights into the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy adoption.
A rigorous bidding process was conducted to select the solar technology provider, ensuring the system meets key criteria such as product quality, warranties, after-sales support, and operational efficiency. This careful selection aims to guarantee the long-term viability and effectiveness of the solar PV system.
In a push for full renewable energy operations, discussions among stakeholders highlighted the potential of running the green coffee bean processing facility entirely on solar power. Doing so could lead to significant cost savings, increased production capacity, and a reduced carbon footprint, reinforcing the cooperative’s long-term sustainability and competitiveness in the coffee industry.
The project will be implemented in collaboration with PEF, MinREACH, Greenergy Development Corp., local government units, and other key stakeholders, ensuring a coordinated approach to renewable energy adoption in Mindanao.
By showcasing tangible applications of solar energy, the initiative aims to catalyze wider adoption of renewable energy solutions, empowering rural enterprises and advancing sustainable development in the region.
– Arvill John P. Lopez, Communications Officer