1.4 GW of RE, energy storage projects to come online next month — DoE

THE Philippines is expecting around 22 renewable energy (RE) and energy storage projects to come online next month that could feed 1,471 megawatts (MW) of additional capacity to the grid, according to the Department of Energy (DoE).

In a statement on Sunday, the DoE said these projects are already in advanced stages of construction or are undergoing final testing and commissioning.

Twelve solar projects represent approximately 1,284 MW, complemented by six hydroelectric plants with 48.23 MW, two biomass facilities with 38 MW, a wind project with 13.56 MW, and a 20-MW integrated renewable energy storage system.

These projects form part of the 200 power plants that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. directed the DoE last year to fast-track by 2028.

“At a time when the country must act with urgency and discipline to protect the integrity of the power system, the timely delivery of committed capacity is imperative,” said Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin.

Building on this development, the DoE said that the recent observance of Earth Hour generated a total load reduction of 145.43 MW, bolstering push for sustained energy conservation amid the global market disruptions.

Luzon saw the largest drop with 75.25 MW, followed by the Visayas with 66.6 MW and Mindanao with 3.58 MW.

The total reduction is enough to power one million households with an average monthly consumption of 100 kilowatt hours.

“Simple actions, such as turning off unused lights, using energy-efficient appliances, and managing our energy consumption wisely can collectively strengthen our country’s energy resilience and help secure a more sustainable future,” Ms. Garin said. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera