San Francisco’s Floating Solar Transformation

The Municipality of San Francisco, located in the Camotes Islands, central Visayas, Philippines, faced chronic power interruptions that hindered economic activity and community well-being. In 2018, the city partnered with K-Water, KOICA, SCOTRA, SAMJIN, and Sanfran Renewable Energy Corp. through the Inclusive Business Solution Initiative to implement a renewable energy project integrating solar and wind technologies. Central to the project was the installation of the country’s first commercial floating solar plant on Lake Danao, complemented by local workforce training, SME engagement, and community ownership. By 2030, San Francisco aims to achieve sustainable island energy, enhance resilience to climate shocks, and serve as a replicable model for other islands.

From 2018 to 2019, the Municipality of San Francisco and its partners carried out stakeholder mapping, community consultations, and technical feasibility studies under the Community Empowerment Program, ensuring that local voices shaped the project’s design. Strong leadership from Mayor Alfredo Arquilliano Jr., internationally recognized for resilience-building, was instrumental in building community trust, securing external partnerships, and aligning the initiative with broader climate goals.

• Phase 1 (2019): Secured a matching fund from KOICA, SCOTRA, SAMJIN, and Sanfran Renewable Energy Corp.; finalized engineering designs; procured floating solar technology; and developed a renewable energy training curriculum.
• Phase 2 (2020–2022): Installed floating solar arrays on Lake Danao, integrated them into the municipal power network, and launched hands-on training programs for local technicians and engineers. Despite COVID-19 restrictions, training continued through smaller group sessions and remote learning modules.
• Phase 3 (2023–2024): Expanded solar capacity, enhanced SME participation in the supply chain, and institutionalized the project’s goals within local climate and development plans to secure long-term policy support.

This phased approach ensured that technical delivery, social inclusion, and economic benefits advanced in parallel—creating a replicable model for other island municipalities pursuing sustainable energy transitions.

The success of San Francisco’s energy transition is anchored on strong multi-level collaboration, bringing together government, international partners, and the private sector. Key partners include:

• Municipality of San Francisco – Served as lead implementer, coordinating planning and community consultations, integrating the project into local climate policies, and ensuring long-term maintenance structures.
• K-Water – Contributed technical expertise in water-based renewable energy systems, guiding the design and engineering of the floating solar plant.
• KOICA – Principal funder, providing approximately USD 2.3 million to support feasibility studies, equipment procurement, installation, and capacity building.
• SCOTRA – Provided co-funding and delivered advanced solar technologies, conducted training for local technicians, and created supply chain opportunities for local businesses.
• Sanfran Renewable Energy Corp. – Provided co-funding and local engineering expertise, supporting feasibility studies, installation, and the recruitment of local manpower and experts.
• Inclusive Business Solution Initiative – Facilitated private-sector engagement and promoted SME participation in line with sustainability and inclusion goals.

Clear, consistent communication built trust and ensured community buy-in.

The municipality used barangay assemblies, local radio programs, school-based campaigns, and social media to share project updates, timelines, and expected benefits. Public demonstrations of the floating solar technology on Lake Danao helped residents visualize the innovation in action. Similarly, consultations with community members forged a sense of ownership regarding the project, building trust and aligning to the community needs. Messaging emphasized energy reliability, cost savings, and resilience to typhoons, fostering pride in being the first municipality in the Philippines to host a commercial floating solar plant. These outreach efforts also encouraged local businesses and households to actively participate in renewable energy adoption and training opportunities.

With a shared commitment to sustainable energy, KOICA, SAMJIN, SCOTRA LTD (Korean SMEs), and Sanfran Renewable Energy Corp. pooled approximately USD 3.38 million through a matching fund to launch the Energy Nexus Business. This collaboration led to groundbreaking milestones: conducting feasibility studies, installing the first-ever commercial floating solar plant on Lake Danao, and equipping the local workforce with new skills. The Municipality of San Francisco played a vital role by providing in-kind support—site preparation, logistics, and dedicated staff time. Together, these efforts are paving the way for cost-recovery and scale-up financing aligned with the vision of achieving sustainable energy by 2030.

The project delivers tangible energy, economic, and social benefits:

- Reliable renewable power now supports households, municipal facilities, and key services such as schools and health centers, reducing dependence on costly diesel imports.

- Energy security improved, with power interruptions in pilot areas reduced from multiple hours per day to minimal outages.

- Local employment generated through training and maintenance jobs, with 100% of trained participants gaining employable skills in renewable energy.

- Economic growth supported through SME engagement in the supply chain, from equipment supply to installation and maintenance services.

- Climate resilience strengthened by ensuring essential services remain operational during typhoons and other disruptions.

- Environmental benefits achieved through reduced greenhouse gas emissions and minimized reliance on fossil fuels.

Obstacles were met with adaptive problem-solving.

• Weather delays during installation required schedule adjustments.
• COVID-19 restrictions slowed training programs in 2020–2021.
• Initial skepticism from some residents was addressed through sustained dialogue and pilot demonstrations.

San Francisco’s approach offers a blueprint for other island and coastal communities San Francisco’s renewable energy initiative offers a practical, adaptable model for other island and coastal communities facing high energy costs and unreliable supply. Key success factors include early community consultations, strong political leadership, international partnerships, and integration of local SMEs into the supply chain. The floating solar model is especially suited to areas with limited land for solar farms but access to stable inland water bodies.

By combining technical innovation with community empowerment, San Francisco not only solved a pressing energy challenge but also positioned itself as a national pioneer in climate-smart development. The municipality’s journey demonstrates that small island communities can lead in renewable energy transitions while boosting local economies and resilience — a lesson with relevance far beyond the Camotes Islands

• UN Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction
• K-Water
• KOICA

Adrienne R. Arquillano
Executive Assistant to the Municipal Mayor
LGU - San Francisco Camotes, Cebu Philippines
adrienne.arquillano@gmail.com