(Taguig City) Motorists can expect to travel with ease going to and from Boni Avenue via Boni Tunnel as the Department of Energy is set to lead the inauguration of the solar-powered light emitting diodes (LEDs) along the said tunnel tonight.
Boni Tunnel is a 297.20 meter- long tunnel that traverses EDSA in Mandaluyong City along Boni Avenue. The area’s old lighting system, composed of a mix of tubular fluorescent lights (T12) and high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, is not only dim but also poses security risks to public and private vehicles. The utility cost, averaging about PhP 570,640 per annum, and a total power demand of 6.58kW may be reduced with the installation of the new lighting system. The DOE has declared that it is high time that the lights in the area be changed.
LEDs are ideal for illuminating roadways inside the tunnel due to its optical efficiency, distributing light in areas where it is most needed. This is an effective tool to eliminate socio-economic hazards such as criminality and vehicular accidents. The service life of the LED Master Lamps is about 30,000 hours and can save up to P240,000 a year in electricity expenditure for Mandaluyong City. The grid-interactive photovoltaic system with a capacity of 6,400 Wp will power the 188 tubular LEDs along Boni Tunnel.
Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras notes that the use of energy efficient lighting systems (EELs) in the local government units (LGUs) saves on electricity expenditure.
"It is very important for us today to continuously moderate electricity consumption. In reducing consumption, we also lessen our carbon footprints effectively contributing to the solutions towards the issue of climate change." he said.
In May 2011, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by and among the DOE, DPWH, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Mandaluyong City LGU, PNOC Renewables Corporation (PNOC RC), and Philips Electronics and Lighting, Inc. (Philips) to showcase a public-private partnership model where the cost and responsibilities for implementation were shared among the partners.
ADB has also then committed to provide the lithium batteries and other accessories for the solar power assembly.
The DOE hopes that the success of this project, particularly the use of energy efficient lighting, is expected to create a template for replication in other similar site applications and is seen to revolutionize the country’s major roadways.