Government aiming for 50% renewable energy in Mindanao by 2030
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 July)—The power sector in Mindanao aims to inject more renewable energy (RE) sources into the current power mix in the island as the government targets to achieve a 50-50 ratio of renewable and non-renewable energy mix in the grid by 2030, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno said on Wednesday.
During the first day of the two-day Mindanao Development Forum at the Acacia Hotel here, Magno said that the power sector hopes to increase the share of RE sources as the country envisions a “reliable, reasonably priced, and sustainable power” under the Mindanao Energy Plan (MEP) 2018-2040.
Magno said that generating more renewable energy sources must be prioritized as the country acknowledged the need to take proactive measures to protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future.
“Mindanao is leading the way in this critical mission by advancing the transition to renewable energy sources—including solar, wind, and hydropower—in relation to protecting water and food, which is crucial to our sustainability,” he said.
He said that the country targets to attain 100% electrification and diversified energy mix by 2040.
According to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Mindanao’s available generating capacity was reported at 3,077 megawatts (MW) while the system peak demand at 2,336 MW, leaving an excess of 741 MW as of 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
In an interview in January 2023, MinDA Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro said that the power mix of Mindanao was estimated at 70-30 in favor of fossil fuels.
He said, at that time, that the island’s power sector may see additional supply of about 2,000 MW from renewable energy by 2028, of which 400 MW are committed applications and 1,600 MW are indicative or in the early stage of the application process.
Montenegro said renewable energy is being pushed in Mindanao as the government hopes to reverse the power mix of the island dominated by coal-fired power plants in compliance with its obligations under the Paris Agreement.
The multilateral agreement, which entered into force on November 4, 2016, targets to limit “global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels” as part of global efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects.
Under this agreement, countries “aim to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible to achieve a climate neutral world by mid-century.”
The Philippines signed the Paris Agreement on April 23, 2016, and it was subsequently ratified by the Senate on March 23, 2017 under the administration of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
In 2020, the Department of Energy declared a moratorium on endorsements for greenfield coal-fired power plants, which prohibits new applications for construction of coal-fired power projects.
Renewable energy is one of the priorities under the Mindanao Agenda 2023-2028.
Under agenda 2 on the “water-energy-food nexus,” the MinDA “hopes to encourage the sustainable handling of the interconnected food, waste, and energy systems in Mindanao by boosting agricultural efficiency, guaranteeing fair access to clean water sources, and promoting renewable energy alternatives.”
“This approach aims to bolster socio-economic progress while safeguarding the environment’s well-being,” it added.
Magno added that the government has established a comprehensive framework for economic development and environmental stewardship based on the pillars of “climate change mitigation, community empowerment, nature-based industry solutions, and sustainable management of food, water, and energy resources pillars.”
In a briefer released by MinDA, the Mindanao Development Forum serves “as a key platform for in-depth discussions, collaboration, and innovation, all aimed at driving sustainable growth and holistic progress in Mindanao … The forum delves into crucial topics such as fostering peace, promoting continuous growth, empowering communities, preserving the environment, and building strategic partnerships.” (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
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