The Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced that investments in both renewable and conventional sources will start contributing to the country’s energy portfolio in 2024. This is a welcome development as the demand for electricity has escalated in step with the country’s economic growth.
A total of 4,164.92 megawatts (MW) is expected to be online this year providing relief to the country’s strained electricity grid. The added capacity is spread across the country with 4,030 MW in Luzon, 80.25 MW in Visayas, and 52.50 MW in Mindanao, according to a report by the DOE.
Mindanao’s growing energy needs
As indicated in the Mindanao Energy Plan 2018-2040, Mindanao is currently experiencing significant economic development. While the island becomes economically competitive, experts foresee increased energy needs.
To meet future demand, the DOE in collaboration with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa) have drafted a plan “to provide sustainable energy infrastructure support as a key
to (attain) the development strategies of the island” (Mindanao Energy Plan 2018-2040, p. x). The plan involves increasing investments in power supply generation especially from renewable sources. The additional capacity of 52.5 MW expected this year is a product of this collaborative effort between the local community and national government.
High temperatures
The island of Mindanao was not spared the extremely high temperatures recently experienced throughout the Philippines. The scorching weather led people to consume more electricity in search of comfort from the heat. This, in turn, led to red and yellow alerts on the power supply across the country. According to a News 5 report, the Mindanao grid was placed on yellow alert briefly last April.
Expanding the energy infrastructure through increased investments in the sector addresses immediate energy needs as well as the growing demand for electricity in the progressive island of Mindanao. With the integration of 52.5 MW into the grid, Mindanao takes another step towards a sustainable future.
Source: DOE expects more than 4,000 MW to come online in 2024 to boost the grid
