Aiming to achieve a 50% share of renewable energy (RE) in the total energy mix by 2030, Mindanao has set an ambitious goal in response to the country's growing population and rapid industrialization.
During a press event, Energy Regulatory Commission Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta revealed that Mindanao had surpassed the national target of 35 percent in terms of renewable energy generation capacity, now standing at 37 percent.
According to Dimalanta, Mindanao is the sole island with excess capacity, with installed capacity already at 4,570 MW and peak demand estimated by the Department of Energy for 2022 at 2,167 MW.
‘Doable’ goal
According to Dimalanta, considerations including energy, pricing, and system requirements are needed to reach the 50 percent target.
“I think it’s doable, that’s why I’m excited to see the outcome of this congress because there has to be that detailed plan," Dimalanta said, referring to the two-day Mindanao Clean Energy Forum 2023 and Renewable Energy (RE) Congress.
"Getting to 50 percent is not just a matter of increasing the generation, it has to be balanced,” she added.
The continuous endeavors correspond with the island's capacity to become a leader in the shift to sustainable energy by harnessing copious resources such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
Optimism around
The Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives' president, Jose Raul Saniel, expressed optimism that the country would accomplish the 50% renewable energy target by 2030, provided that economic growth and significant investments are made to meet the rising demand for electricity.
“For us to be able to achieve this, Mindanao’s economy must grow. There should be big investments coming in so that we, the electric cooperatives, can contract with RE and cope with the increasing demand for power in the future,” he said.
“If you look at the electric cooperatives right now, most of our contracts are long-term with fossil-based fuel. This forum is a perfect venue for us to be able to consider renewable energy,” Saniel added.
