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The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have strengthened coordination to ensure reliable and sufficient power supply in Mindanao, as the region continues to post robust economic growth and attract new investments.
In a meeting held on January 6 at the DOE’s central office in Taguig City, MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno and Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin led senior officials in discussions focused on balancing the region’s firm baseload requirements with the expansion of renewable energy (RE) capacity.
Both agencies emphasized the importance of long-term energy planning to meet the region’s growing demand, especially as operations continue to expand in energy-intensive industries such as mining and mineral processing.
Securing Supply and Expanding Renewables
Secretary Garin underscored the DOE’s ongoing push to accelerate renewable energy deployment through the Green Energy Auction (GEA) program, which seeks to boost investments in solar, wind, and other clean energy projects.
She added that the GEA also ensures transparent and competitive pricing while offering 20-year contracts that provide developers with financing stability and investor confidence.
Garin noted that the upcoming GEA for Mindanao would play a key role in augmenting supply and integrating new renewable capacities, including solar projects supported by battery energy storage systems (BESS). These systems, she explained, can help stabilize the grid and complement existing baseload generation.
Mindanao’s Growing Energy Demand
Magno said the anticipated expansion of the minerals industry and related sectors will drive future electricity consumption in Mindanao.
“Mindanao’s energy future must be secured through a balanced mix of firm baseload and renewable energy sources,” he said. “As we anticipate growth in our mining sector and other energy-intensive industries, we are committed to working closely with the Department of Energy and private sector developers to ensure that power planning for 2026–2028 remains responsive to demand and sustains the region’s investment momentum.”
He added that the partnership reflects MinDA’s and DOE’s shared commitment to delivering reliable and least-cost power for the island. “By streamlining processes and engaging stakeholders, we can accelerate projects that will strengthen competitiveness and support inclusive growth,” Magno said.
Private Sector Role
Both agencies agreed to convene the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee, launch the Green Energy Auction for Mindanao, and jointly compile and validate committed sites for prospective RE projects.
MinDA Deputy Executive Director Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro emphasized that private sector participation will be vital to ensuring that energy projects are completed on schedule and aligned with regional demand projections.
This coordination follows recent MinDA-led investment missions that drew strong interest in clean energy projects from investors in Malaysia, Qatar, and South Korea.
Aligning With The National Energy Agenda
The initiative complements President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s broader energy agenda, which promotes inclusive energy access and renewable expansion. His administration targets the deployment of over one million solar home systems by 2028 and the continued rollout of the Lifeline Rate subsidy for low-income households.
Marcos’s support for renewable initiatives, such as net metering and distributed solar, is in line with MinDA’s efforts to fast-track clean energy projects through the GEA. Both approaches stress the importance of balancing baseload and renewable sources to achieve energy stability while strengthening investor confidence and climate resilience.
By aligning national priorities with regional initiatives, MinDA aims to position Mindanao as a model for sustainable, investment-ready growth, powered by a diversified and secure energy mix.
Source:
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/business/move-to-secure-power-supply-for-mindanao
