Ramos pointed out that Cebu alone accounts for half of the region’s total demand, with Metro Cebu contributing over half of the provincial requirement. This demand is projected to increase by approximately 7% annually. This substantial growth in demand underscores the pressing need for energy security, especially to support Central Visayas’ remarkable economic expansion, which reached 7.3% last year—the fastest in the country.
Challenges in the Visayas Grid
Recent challenges in the Visayas grid included peak demand exceeding available capacity, leading to frequent power outages and economic losses. Ramos warned that if no new power plants are constructed in the next three to four years, Cebu’s power demand will surpass the available supply.
AboitizPower’s Solution: TVI Unit 3
Currently, Cebu depends on neighbouring islands for about 60% of its electricity needs. Addressing this vulnerability, AboitizPower plans to add a new unit to its Therma Visayas (TVI) coal-fired power plant in Toledo, Cebu, injecting 150 MW into the grid. According to Ramos, TVI Unit 3 is the company’s most viable solution to provide a reliable, cost-efficient, and accessible power supply to Visayas.
Ramos also emphasized the importance of baseload power plants like TVI, especially in light of the increasing intermittency caused by variable renewable energy sources. To ensure a balanced energy supply, Ramos advocated for pragmatic solutions, including expanding renewable capacity, investing in grid infrastructure, exploring decentralized energy solutions and smart technologies, and maintaining reliable baseload power.
Collaboration for a Sustainable Energy Future
In conclusion, Ramos stressed the importance of a balanced strategy in addressing Cebu’s energy challenges, calling for collaboration among stakeholders to shape the province’s sustainable energy future.
Ramos concluded by stressing the importance of a balanced strategy in addressing the energy trilemma. “We approach our transition with balance,” he stated, calling for stakeholder collaboration to shape a sustainable energy future for Cebu.