Solar Power Is An Isolated Island's Weapon Against A Fossil Fuel Monopoly - CleanTechnica

The island of Siquijor in the Philippines, known for its natural beauty and tourism, currently relies on a single aging diesel power plant operated by a private monopoly, Siquijor Island Power Corporation (SIPCOR). This centralized fossil fuel-based system has proven inadequate, leading to frequent rotating blackouts since May 2025 due to underestimated demand and insufficient capacity. The island’s 100,000 residents and local businesses face energy insecurity, highlighting the risks of dependence on fossil fuels and monopolistic power supply in isolated communities. To address this crisis, Siquijor is turning to solar energy as a sustainable alternative. A significant development is the approval of a 5MW ground-mounted solar facility in Maria municipality, expected to improve energy security by 2026. This project marks a shift toward a hybrid energy model, where solar power becomes the primary source and diesel generators serve as backup, reducing fuel dependence and operational costs. The island can also learn from other Philippine off-grid communities that have