BP Solar to power RP villages

BP Solar to power RP villages

NEW YORK (Reuters): Oil major BP Amoco said on Friday it has
launched the world's biggest solar power project to bring
electricity to 150 isolated villages in the Philippines.

The Philippines signed the $48 million contract, the largest
solar energy project ever, with BP Amoco and the Spanish
government, which is financing the project, BP said in a
statement.

"In the world's most isolated areas, solar is often the most
cost-effective way to supply basic, essential needs such as
lighting, water pumping, irrigation and refrigeration for
vaccines and medication," said BP Solar President and Chief
Executive Harry Shimp.

The project, to serve 400,000 people, will be built in two
phases, the first scheduled to start in September in the Mindanao
region.

BP plans to use solar energy in around 70 villages in the
first phase to power 5,500 home lighting, irrigation and drinking
water systems, air conditioners, schools, community centers and
health clinics.