Solar Power Plant Promises Cheaper, More Stable Power For Davao Oriental

Davao Oriental’s path to a greener and more sustainable future is fast approaching, as Governor Niño Uy finalized the local government’s partnership deal with DY Green Corporation to build a 50-megawatt solar power plant. DY Green Corporation said that the solar power plant will be operational by October 2024.

This is good news for residents in the region as the new power plant can start distributing power in the fourth quarter of 2024. Hopefully, it can provide a more sustainable power source and could hopefully serve as a long-term solution to power outages and rising electric costs in the region.

Sustainable Power Supply

The P3-billion solar project aims to provide a stable, affordable, and sustainable power supply to the residents of Davao Oriental. Currently, the province’s power is supplied by Doreco (Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative), the sole distributor, but the supply is unstable due to the high volume of consumers.

Ground preparation for the 40-hectare property in Barangay Maputi, Banaybanay town, is underway. If land development and the actions of other agencies, including the issuance of the business permit, maintain their momentum, it is likely that the project will be operational by October.

“We have granted the business permit for the company after they complied with our requirements. The land was procured by the provincial government and everything from our end is completed,” Banaybanay Mayor Ian Larcia said.

Larcia supports the renewable energy project, stating, “We need a stable power supply not only for the residents but for the economic growth of our province, especially in my town.”

Economic Upside

The provincial government acquired the P12-million 40-hectare property and subsequently leased it to Dy Green Energy for fifteen years.

“The project will not only provide a power supply but will also attract investments and spur economic development in the province,” Governor Uy said. He also revealed that at least seven investors are interested in investing in the province, but they are constrained by the unstable power supply.

In 2023, Uy and DY Green Energy Corporation signed a Memorandum of Agreement, which was attended by His Excellency Mr. Hoang Huy Chung, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Republic of the Philippines. Dy Green Energy is expected to supply power to Doreco through a Power Supply Agreement.

Source: Davao Oriental solar power plant to kick off in October