Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines – Imagine a future where solar power never sleeps—where energy is abundant even after the sun sets. That future is now within reach, thanks to the innovative Hybrid Economic Dispatch (HED) system, developed by Engineer Cerael P. Donggay, the President and CEO of Greenergy Development Corporation, headquartered in Cagayan de Oro City. Donggay’s groundbreaking invention, which he recently discussed in an exclusive interview with Business Week, promises to revolutionize how we harness and store solar energy.
The HED system represents a breakthrough in clean energy technology by combining solar and hydropower to create a continuous, 24-hour renewable energy source. This revolutionary system addresses one of solar energy’s biggest limitations—its reliance on sunlight—by storing excess solar power for use during nighttime or cloudy periods.
The Science Behind the Innovation
At its core, the HED system acts as a hybrid energy storage solution. During the day, when solar panels generate surplus electricity, the system redirects the excess power to a natural or man-made reservoir, effectively “banking” the energy in the form of hydraulic power. This process is akin to filling a battery with sunlight.
Once the sun sets or during periods of low solar generation, the stored water is released from the reservoir. As the water flows downhill, it spins turbines that generate electricity, similar to the operation of a traditional hydroelectric plant. This process guarantees a steady, on-demand power supply—making solar energy a reliable resource around the clock.
Circular Energy for Greater Efficiency
Donggay’s innovation goes even further with the integration of Circular Energy for Hydro Plants (CEHP), a water recycling technique that increases the system’s sustainability. Instead of allowing used water to flow out to the sea, the CEHP method channels it back into the reservoir, allowing the same water to be used multiple times for power generation.
This feature not only maximizes efficiency but also supports environmental conservation by minimizing water loss. Furthermore, the concept of floating solar farms on lakes further enhances the system’s effectiveness by reducing evaporation and boosting overall power generation capacity.
A Game-Changer for Clean Energy
Engineer Donggay’s pioneering work with HED and CEHP presents a promising solution to one of the biggest challenges facing solar energy today: its intermittency. By blending solar and hydropower in a seamless, cyclical process, this technology could pave the way for a future where clean energy is both abundant and reliable.
Donggay has ensured that his innovation is protected, having registered the HED system with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPO-Phil) and Espacenet. This step not only safeguards the intellectual property but also underscores the system’s potential for widespread impact.
As the global demand for sustainable energy continues to rise, innovations like HED offer a compelling vision for a future powered entirely by renewable sources. With Donggay’s groundbreaking technology, the dream of a 24-hour solar-powered world is no longer a distant vision but an achievable reality.
This game-changing innovation from a Cagayan de Oro engineer is poised to help reshape the energy landscape—making clean, renewable power available at all hours of the day and night.
