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.