31/03/2026
' MY VISION IS TO ESTABLISH THE PHILIPPINES AS A LEADER IN OCEAN RENEWABLE POWER '
In remote mountain villages and far-flung islands across the Philippines, the challenge of electrification persists. Extending the power grid into these areas remains both expensive and logistically difficult, leaving many communities with limited and inconsistent access to electricity. For Patrick De Guzman, these gaps are not just obstacles—they are opportunities to rethink how energy can be generated and delivered.
Through his startup Saltric Power, De Guzman introduced the Marissa Turbine, a hydrokinetic system designed to produce electricity directly from moving water. Unlike traditional hydropower systems, it operates without the need for large dams, making it adaptable for rivers and coastal environments where currents flow steadily.
Engineered for resilience, the turbine features a corrosion-resistant steel frame built to endure strong currents and even typhoon conditions. It is anchored directly to riverbeds, allowing for continuous operation. Its blades, notably, are 3D-printed using recycled single-use plastic bottles—an intentional design that reduces environmental impact and minimizes harm to aquatic ecosystems. Each unit is capable of generating up to 500 watts of electricity as long as water continues to flow.
“My vision is to establish the Philippines as a leader in ocean renewable power,” De Guzman said.
The Prototype
Saltric’s technology has already been tested beyond the lab. A pilot installation in the Meycauayan River in Obando, Bulacan—supported by SM Cares and the Global Peace Foundation—demonstrated immediate, tangible benefits. The system provided lighting and refrigeration for local fishers, easing operational challenges.
“The Meycauayan pilot showed us how immediate the benefits could be. Fishers reduced fuel expenses and had more flexibility in their operations. It validated that the system works in real community settings,” De Guzman said.
A second prototype followed in the Angat River, backed by funding from the Department of Science and Technology and technical support from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. This installation powered two households, supplying electricity for laptops, mobile phones, and electric fans—all generated from the natural movement of river water.
“These are small deployments, but they prove the concept,” De Guzman said. “Renewable energy doesn’t always have to start with megaprojects. It can begin at the community level and scale from there.”
With these early successes, Saltric is preparing for broader deployment. By 2026, the company aims to roll out 180 units across Northern Luzon, with a long-term target of reaching 500 kilowatts in installed capacity within five years. New turbine models are also being developed to cater to hotels, resorts, and agricultural operations.
De Guzman views hydrokinetic systems as a complementary force in achieving the Philippines’ renewable energy ambitions, including the Department of Energy’s goal of a 50-50 energy mix between renewable and conventional sources by 2040. Supporting this vision, mapping studies by the Japan International Cooperation Agency have identified more than 200 viable sites for small-scale hydroelectric projects across the country.
Protecting Innovation
Yet innovation does not move forward on engineering alone. Regulatory frameworks—from permitting and tariffs to grid integration and incentives—play a critical role in determining how quickly renewable solutions can scale.
“The technology is already there. What determines success now is policy – how easy it is to deploy, how tariffs are structured, and how systems are integrated into the grid. That’s something innovators need to understand,” De Guzman said.
To better navigate these complexities, he has begun pursuing law studies, focusing on energy and intellectual property regulation. Early in his journey, intellectual property protection was not a priority. He initially hesitated to file patents, concerned that public disclosure might expose his ideas.
“That changed when an engineer told me, ‘You have to patent this. It’s your portfolio as an inventor,” he recalled. “I realized patents are not just about protection. They establish credibility and allow you to share technology without losing ownership. And beyond the 20-year protection period, what remains is documented knowledge. That becomes part of the body of science. Others can build on it.”
Support from institutions helped solidify Saltric’s foundation. The Ateneo Intellectual Property Office assisted in drafting and filing, while the Department of Science and Technology’s Technology Application and Promotion Institute covered utility model and industrial design fees. Meanwhile, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines’ Youth IP Incentive program helped reduce costs and fast-track trademark registration.
In December 2025, Saltric earned the top award in the professional category of IPOPHL’s Socially Relevant Technologies competition, reinforcing its role as a homegrown solution with national significance.
Looking ahead, the company plans to develop fully submersible turbines designed for deeper ocean deployment. The name “Saltric” itself reflects this ambition—drawing from the potential of saltwater currents to power communities on a much larger scale.
This story originally appeared on Manila Standard. Graphics and edits by Destination PH.
