The Philippines is increasing its supply of electricity to meet rising demands through the addition of renewable energy (RE) power plants.
At the recent Philippine Electric Power Industry Forum (PEPIF) 2024 held at the Iloilo Convention Center in Iloilo City, Aboitiz Renewables Inc. (ARI) President Jimmy Villaroman emphasized that Aboitiz Power Corp. is committed to building a total of 4,600 MW (megawatts) of renewables capacity by 2030.
Clean Power in the Pipeline
In an interview, Villaroman stated, “Our initial expansion phase focuses on developing mostly solar and wind plants with up to 1,200 MW capacity. Currently, we are on track for 176 MW of RE projects to come online by the first half of 2024, with construction ongoing for an additional 218 MW.”
The energy executive also said that AboitizPower’s second phase of expansion will increase capacity by 1,700 MW of solar and wind power.
Transitioning to Renewable Energy
This supports the government’s energy targets. According to the Philippine Energy Plan’s Clean Energy Scenario, the country aims to achieve 35% and 50% RE share in the power generation mix by 2030 and 2040, respectively. Peak electricity demand in the Philippines is expected to increase annually by 6.6% until 2040.
“Unlike some developed nations, our transition in the Philippines, as in the rest of Asia and the Pacific, must be gradual and intelligent. It has to be well-planned; uniquely suited to each country,” Villaroman said.
He also stressed that the solutions they devise cannot happen overnight “and might take years, if not decades, to realize.” Villaroman noted that leveraging existing conventional plants will support energy security in the medium term.
There is Power in Policy
Villaroman then lauded the introduction of the Renewable Energy Act (RA 9513) and the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) which “have spurred the development of clean energy sources, fostering a more diverse and secure energy mix.”
Sound government policies on renewable energy are instrumental in ensuring sustainability for the Philippine economy and environment. These allow energy partners like AboitizPower to add more RE projects to its pipeline; projects that will answer Filipinos’ future energy needs.
Source: RE augments PH power supply toward clean energy transition