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The race to power Mindanao with cleaner, greener energy is gaining traction, with 2,875 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy (RE) projects in the works as of October 2024.
According to the Department of Energy (DOE), these projects are in the indicative phase, meaning developers are still conducting studies and securing the necessary permits, especially for those on ancestral domains.
A Breakdown of Mindanao’s Green Potential
Hereโs how the renewable energy mix stacks up:
- Wind Power: 1,072 MW (37.29%)
- Hydropower: 701.460 MW
- Natural Gas: 600 MW
- Solar Power: 451.53 MW
- Biomass: 50 MW
Rapha Julysses E. Perez, a science research specialist from the DOE-Mindanao Field Office, emphasized that these projects reflect a significant opportunity to shift Mindanaoโs energy reliance toward renewables.
The goal? Boost the share of clean energy in the grid to 35% by 2035 and a game-changing 50% by 2050.
A Clean Energy Target Within Reach
As of 2024, Mindanaoโs grid already sources 31% of its power from renewablesโa promising start. The DOE is also banking on 258 MW of committed RE projects, including 90 MW and 168 MW solar power plants slated for commercial operations between 2025 and 2028.
Committed power projects have reached the point of no return, Perez explained.
These are ready to deliver, he added.
Why Renewables?
The push for renewable energy isnโt just about cleaner air; itโs about delivering on the Philippinesโ climate commitments. As a signatory of the Paris Agreement, the country is committed to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This means aggressively cutting greenhouse gas emissions and working toward a climate-neutral world by mid-century.
To achieve this, the DOE has implemented a moratorium on new coal-fired power projects since 2020, effectively giving renewables the front seat in energy development.
Surplus Power, Cheaper Electricity
Currently, Mindanao enjoys a surplus, with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines reporting a generating capacity of 3,155 MW and a system peak demand of 2,393 MW. This surplus, combined with an influx of renewable energy projects, could drive electricity prices down.
The more diverse the power sources, the better it is for consumers, Perez noted, adding that healthy competition in the generation sector keeps prices in check.
The Road Ahead
With investors warming up to renewables, Mindanao is set to lead the country in its clean energy transition. As the grid evolves, this surge in renewable energy projects could reshape not just the regionโs energy landscape but also its economy, ensuring a brighter, greener future for generations to come.
Itโs clear: the future of power in Mindanao isnโt just renewableโitโs unstoppable.
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