DOE clears 5 renewable energy projects for grid impact study
Photo of Philippine offshore wind facility from Global Wind Energy Council
MANILA, Philippines — Five renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of more than 500 megawatts (MW) have received the go-signal to undergo a grid impact study.
Based on a document posted on the website of the Department of Energy (DOE), the agency had issued in April five endorsements for a system impact study (SIS) with the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, an assessment meant to determine whether the grid system can accommodate fresh capacity.
One of the projects includes the 200-MW Abra-Kalinga wind power project of JBD Water Power Inc.
Freya Renewables Inc. also proposed a 160-MW wind farm in Negros Occidental, while Amihan Power Inc. seeks to build 80-MW wind project in Camarines Sur.
The other two projects involve Energy Development Corp.’s Botong-Rangas geothermal development in Sorsogon with a capacity of 30 MW; and PAVI Green Camsur Renewable Energy Inc.’s 50-MW solar project in Camarines Sur.
So far, 40 projects secured SIS endorsements from the DOE this year, 30 of which are renewable energy projects.
READ: Philippines aspires to be next green power paradise
11 GW capacity coming
Data from the DOE earlier showed that more than 11 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity are expected to come online by 2030.
Solar energy remains the leading technology, with 8,431.19 MW of new capacity. The bulk, or 7,399.73 MW, is projected to be operational between this year and 2026.
Wind comes next with 2,233.24 MW, slated for commercial operations within 2025 and next year.
Hydropower, geothermal and biomass are also seen to contribute 847.34 MW, 122.22 MW and 50.28 MW, respectively.
The Marcos administration has been encouraging the private sector to invest in renewable energy as it hopes to cut dependence on coal. From the current 22 percent share in the electricity generation mix, it aims to increase to at least 35 percent by 2030.
READ: Philippines wants 35% renewables in energy mix by 2030, 50% by 2040
