JICA Concludes Technical Assistance on Energy Conservation for LRT-1, Identifies Major Savings Potential in Train Operations

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has completed its technical assistance program for Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) to promote energy conservation initiatives on the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1). Initiated in July 2025, this assistance aimed to improve operational efficiency, reduce electricity costs, and support greenhouse gas emission reductions in the railway sector, contributing to the Philippines' commitment to climate action and sustainable urban transport development.

The program brought Japanese experts to identify critical intervention areas in LRT-1. Expert analysis indicates that traction power used for train operations accounts for over 80% of total electricity consumption, highlighting significant potential for cost and emission reduction. In addition, regenerative energy loss was found to be a major source of inefficiency, with system and operational constraints on LRT-1 limiting its effective use. These findings underscore the importance of combining technical improvements with operational measures to achieve substantial energy savings.

At the conclusion of the technical assistance program, Japanese experts recommended a phased strategy integrating cost-effective operational improvements with long-term infrastructure upgrades, and developed a medium- to long-term roadmap (2026-2035) for LRMC's structured implementation of energy conservation measures. The pursuit of energy efficiency in the railway sector is a necessary step towards the Philippine government's commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 2030 under the Paris Agreement.

Delivered in a landmark year commemorating 70 years of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Japan, the outcomes of this program serve as a model for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions in the Philippine railway sector. In 2025, through the Private Sector Investment Finance (PSIF) scheme, JICA collaborated with Sumitomo Corporation and Hankyu Corporation to support LRT Line 1's operation and maintenance, with the shared goal of strengthening long-term performance and sustainability.

JICA continues to support sustainable infrastructure development by leveraging Japan's advanced railway energy management technologies and operational expertise.