Mindanao needs additional energy sources to address growing demand in the region.
During the forum, “Powering the Future: A Collaborative Approach to Energy Sustainability in Davao Region,” held in Tagum City on October 20, Rapha Julysses Perez of the DOE Mindanao Field Office said the current energy supply in Mindanao is sufficient to meet the demand in the area, with an available capacity of 2,988 megawatts (MW). However, Perez raised concerns about the region’s future energy capacity.
“We rarely experience the red and yellow alerts unlike in Luzon and Visayas, and that’s a good thing. We have consistent supply but (not) for long. We need more generation supply,” Perez said.
According to the Mindanao Development Authority’s (MinDA’s) forecast, the island could face a power shortage by 2027.
MinDA said Mindanao requires about 100 megawatts yearly to keep up with the growing demand in the island.
The DOE Mindanao Field Office anticipates an 18-percent increase in the country’s energy capacity this year, with more than 1,900 MW coming from renewable energy (RE) sources.
In line with the government’s aim to achieve a 50:50 ratio of renewable and non-renewable energy by 2030, the DOE Mindanao Field Office said the agency is conducting two ocean energy studies in Mindanao with potential capacities of 10.00 MW and 6.00 MW, respectively.
Agnes Garcia, national convenor of energy consumer organizations ILAW, said the group continues to collaborate with electric cooperatives and government organizations in developing concrete solutions to brownouts in the country by holding focus group discussions.
“Since the launch of our study on the economic impact of blackouts on businesses, ILAW has met with mayors and governors to discuss its results and our recommendations. Additionally, ILAW is part of the technical working group to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act. We look forward to taking further steps to achieve our vision of affordable and accessible electricity for all Filipinos,” said Garcia.
