In a win for climate advocates and local communities, a proposed 600-megawatt liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, has been halted.
The project was officially withdrawn after local communities and environmental groups filed a formal complaint last February. Petitioners included the PMCJ, Tacub Homeless Initiative in Keeping Its Rights, Barangay Napo Linamon Fisherfolk Association, Mindanao Power Consumers Federation, Iligan-Lanao Movement for Climate Justice, Mangagawang Media sa Mindanao, and Sanlakas Lanao del Norte.
Local resistance halts project plans
Following the formal complaint from local communities, the EMB-10 sent a letter to GNPower Kauswagan Ltd. Co. (GNPK) and the Department of Energy (DoE) on February 24, requesting clarification. GNPK responded that it is “a separate and independent entity with no involvement in the proposed LNG project.” The company currently operates a 552-MW coal-fired power plant in the same area.
GNPower Ltd. Co. (GNP), listed as the project proponent, confirmed in its response that it would no longer pursue the LNG project and would seek its removal from the DOE’s list of Mindanao Indicative Power Projects.
EMB-10 also conducted a site inspection on April 29, confirming that no construction activities had commenced at the proposed site.
DOE affirms regulatory limits as PMCJ cites protected area status
In a separate letter dated March 10, the Department of Energy clarified that it cannot cancel or reject proposed projects solely based on opposition unless there is clear proof of disqualification or regulatory violations. It added that all gas-fired power projects must comply with environmental standards and undergo proper review in coordination with other agencies.
“This is a huge win in the fight for climate justice. The people of Kauswagan are already suffering from the existing GNPower Kauswagan coal-fired power plant, which affects their livelihood from fishing, their health, and causes pollution in the area,” said Rara Ada, Mindanao coordinator of PMCJ.
“The proposed LNG plant, if allowed to proceed, would have caused additional irreparable damage to the people living nearby,” she added.
According to PMCJ, the site of the canceled LNG plant lies within the Bacolod–Kauswagan Protected Landscape and Seascape, which falls under Republic Act No. 7586, also known as the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act. Further legislative backing for its protection exists under House Bill 6261, filed in 2015 by then-Representative Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo.
“As we push for 100% renewable energy by 2030, it is imperative for the government to ensure that we end our dependence on costly and dirty fossil fuel-based energy sources,” Ada said.
Mindanao historically relies on renewable energy, particularly the Agus-Pulangi hydropower complexes, and has vast untapped potential for additional clean energy development.
Sources:
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/groups-oppose-power-plant-project-lanao-del-norte/
https://mindanaogoldstardaily.com/archives/150034
https://www.gnpower.com.ph/projects/
https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/2/3508
https://ldr.senate.gov.ph/bills/house-bill-no-6261-16th-congress-republic
