MANILA, PHILIPPINES -- A poorly lit four-lane tunnel that crosses one of Metro Manila’s key thoroughfares has been illuminated using solar technology and a public-private partnership supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The sub-standard lights of the Boni Tunnel, which intersects EDSA, were replaced with solar-powered light emitting diodes or LEDs.

“ADB is proud to be associated with an initiative that helps the country move towards lower carbon emissions,” said Anthony Jude, Director in ADB’s Southeast Asia Department, who attended the inauguration ceremony. “This project demonstrates technology alternatives – long-lasting batteries and solar power – that will improve people’s life through green technology.”

The new system consists of 94 22-watt LED tubes generating 30,000 burning hours and 70% lumen maintenance. It is partially powered by solar panels installed in a 59-square meter park on top of one of the tunnel entrances. The solar panels can generate 6,648 kilowatt hours per year and cover 19% of the total tunnel power demand, resulting in 51% energy savings compared with the old system.

Solar panels are meant to last 20 years, but many off-grid solar power projects fails due to the short lifespan of the battery systems, which often fail after only two to three years, and the lack of financial, technical and logistical capacity in recipient communities looking to replace them. To overcome this challenge, the Boni Tunnel project uses lithium ion batteries – batteries that are common mobile phones, laptops and electric cars – that are expected to last about 10 years.

Building on the Philippine Energy Efficiency Project, ADB provided technical assistance and grant funding for the lithium ion batteries and other materials needed in the panel installation. It also provided technical assistance in the design and installation of the solar panel system, and the determination of energy savings.

ADB is supporting the government’s overall energy-efficiency and conservation program through a $31.1 million loan approved in 2009 that has helped retrofit select government buildings and public areas with energy-efficient light systems. The loan has also financed a massive exchange of incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps among residential users. ADB also funds a Philippine government-initiated pilot program involving electronic tricycle taxis, or e-Trikes.

The Boni Tunnel lighting project is a partnership of the Department of Energy, the Department of Public Works and Highways, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Mandaluyong City, PNOC Renewables Corporation, and Philips Electronics and Lighting Inc.