Addressing the issues brought about by climate change is one of mankind’s most urgent responsibilities. We need to create future-proof communities by implementing strategies and infrastructure that ensure long-term sustainability, resilience, and adaptability to evolving challenges and opportunities.
Renewable energy is crucial for a sustainable future, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental impact. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources are abundant and are not subject to depletion. Harnessing solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy can provide a virtually limitless supply of power.
Mindanao’s Path To Sustainability
This is why the Philippine national government aims to increase the share of renewables from the current 22 percent to 25 percent by 2030 and to 50 percent by 2040. Despite these goals, the country still largely depends on coal-fired power plants.
In Mindanao, officials have set their own targets of hitting 50 percent renewable energy by 2030. Renewables now make up 37 percent of the energy mix, paving the way for the island group to achieve their target clean energy share by the end of the decade, according to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
ERC Chair Monalisa Dimalanta highlighted that this progress surpasses the national target of 35 percent by 2030. “In this sense, the 50 percent renewable energy [target] by 2030 is a very realistic ambition for Mindanao than the rest of the country,” she said.
Energy stakeholders in Mindanao, where coal still makes up 60 percent of the energy mix, are keen on reaching the 50-percent renewable mark by 2030. Although Mindanao has already exceeded the national target, Dimalanta urged stakeholders to “keep setting the bar high in achieving cleaner and more sustainable energy.”
Investing On Renewable Energy
“We already have the mainstreaming of renewable energy in our energy planning. Gone is the business-as-usual scenario that meant we just increase what is already there,” Dimalanta said, noting that funds were “steadily flowing” into clean energy projects.
Earlier this year, the Board of Investments (BOI) expressed its hope to surpass last year’s P729-billion renewable energy investments. The BOI reported that from January to September, the bulk of the P730.49 billion worth of approved investments was in the renewable energy sector, accounting for 76.50 percent, or P558.83 billion.
The transition to renewable energy is not just an environmental imperative but also an economic and social opportunity. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, creating jobs, fostering technological innovation, and enhancing energy security, renewable energy is essential for building a sustainable and resilient future.
Source: 50% clean energy goal for Mindanao achievable, says ERC
