DAVAO CITY (December 3, 2024) - The Department of Energy (DOE) in the Philippines has reported that 2,875 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy projects in Mindanao are currently in the indicative phase. This includes 1,072 MW from wind power, 701.46 MW from hydro plants, 600 MW from natural gas, 451.53 MW from solar, and 50 MW from biomass.
According to Rapha Julysses E. Perez, a science research specialist at the DOE-Mindanao Field Office, these indicative projects are in the pre-development stage, where developers are conducting studies and obtaining necessary permits, particularly for projects in ancestral domains.
The DOE aims to attract more investments in renewable energy, targeting to increase the share of clean electricity sources in Mindanao's grid to 35% by 2035 and 50% by 2050. Currently, the grid consists of 69% non-renewable power and 31% renewable energy.
As of late November, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines reported an available generating capacity of 3,155 MW, with a system peak demand of 2,393 MW, resulting in a surplus of 762 MW.
Perez emphasized the Philippines' commitment to renewable energy as part of its strategy to reduce carbon emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, which the country ratified in 2017. The agreement aims to limit global warming and achieve a climate-neutral world by mid-century.
Due to a moratorium on new non-renewable power projects, the country's new power developments are primarily focused on renewable energy. This moratorium, declared in 2020, prohibits new applications for coal-fired power plants.
Perez noted that diversifying power sources will lead to lower electricity prices, as increased supply encourages healthy competition among providers.