In PH, renewable energy is king

Innovations in the renewable energy sector keep the Philippines on the road to sustainability

- By CECILE J. BALTASAR

With demand for electricity increasing every year, the Philippine government is prioritizing the sustainable use of renewable energy through the Green Energy Auction Program 2. The program expedites the development of renewable energy sources through competitive auctions.

This government-led initiative uses data from the Department of Energy (DOE), among other information, to set renewable energy goals.

According to information from DOE, at the end of 2023, about 30 percent of the power supply in the country came from renewable energy. The government's goal is to raise this figure by 35 percent in 2030 and by 50 percent in 2040.

Through partnerships with other governments and the private sector, these numbers seem within reach, as evidenced by numerous innovations for the production of renewable energy. Several of these are already in operation, while others are close to completion.

LARGE-SCALE WIND FARMS

The Libmanan Wind Power Project of Aboitiz Power Corporation recently secured the supply of 58.5 MW wind turbine generators for the wind farm located in Camarines Sur. Being developed by Aboitiz Power, the project is set to begin commercial operation by the end of 2026.

Once operational, the wind farm joins several others some already running; others, nearing completion-in providing electricity to thousands of households in the country.

IMPROVED SOLAR PANELS