Phillipines goes solar

Oil major BP AMOCO has launched the world's largest solar power project in the Mindanao region of Phillipines. Estimated to cost US $48million it is expected to electrify 150 villages says a Reuters report dated April 2, 2001. According to the BP Solar president and chief executive, Harry Shimp, the estimated project will supply basic amenities to 150 villages and serve 400,000 people, the project will be completed in two phases and the Spanish government will fund the project. In it's first phase, 70 villages will be covered which will electrify 5,500 households. The second phase is meant for agriculturists in general.