The Department of Energy (DOE) is promoting renewable energy technologies and storage systems as long-term solutions to Basilan’s persistent electricity challenges, officials said during the Dagyaw 2025 Town Hall Meeting in Isabela City.

Engineer Camelo B. Cabuga, chief of the DOE Mindanao Field Office – Electric Power Industry Management Bureau, introduced residents to the agency’s renewable energy portfolio known as “BIGSHOW,” which stands for Biomass, Geothermal, Solar, Hydro, Ocean, and Wind.

As reported by the Philippine Information Agency, Cabuga highlighted solar as a viable option for households, explaining how photovoltaic (PV) systems feed electricity into inverters and power lines. However, he stressed the limitations of relying solely on PV technology.

“Ang challenge lang sa PV technology is that hindi po constant ang kanyang output, intermittent po sya at nagpa fluctuate. Then, during rainy days, halos wala siyang maibigay na output o di sya makapag contribute sa grid (The challenge with PV technology is that its output is not constant, it is intermittent and fluctuates. Then, during rainy days, it can hardly provide any output or contribute to the grid),” he said.

He also pointed to biomass as another opportunity for Basilan, citing its agricultural base and potential feedstock supply.

“Meron tayong biomass energy system. So, kung dito sa Basilan maraming biomass residues or resources, pwede pong maglagay ng biomass energy system. Marami pong technology sa biomass, merong tinatawag na gasification, pyrolysis, digestion, fermentation, meron ding solid fuel combustion (We have a biomass energy system. So, if there are many biomass residues or resources here in Basilan, a biomass energy system can be put in place. There are many technologies in biomass, such as gasification, pyrolysis, digestion, fermentation, and also solid fuel combustion),” Cabuga explained.

To address renewable energy intermittency, Cabuga emphasized the role of storage. “Kaya ang solusyon po sa intermittency ng renewable energy is magkaroon po ng battery energy storage system. Kung may sobra i-istore nya dun sa battery, pag may problema pwede siya mag backup and it improves grid stability yung battery energy system (That is why the solution to the intermittency of renewable energy is to have a battery energy storage system. If there is excess, it will be stored in the battery, and when there is a problem, it can serve as backup and the battery energy system improves grid stability),” he said.

Parallel to DOE’s efforts, Isabela City officials are also exploring biomass opportunities. Jaime Juanito Rivera, chief of the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEDIPO), and Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman recently inspected the Napier Grass Energy Pilot Plant in Taguig to study its application for Basilan.

Rivera disclosed that the city is anticipating three new renewable energy projects by 2028, coinciding with the expiration of the Basilan Electric Cooperative (BASELCO) franchise.

What do you think—can renewable energy and storage solutions provide a stable path forward for off-grid provinces like Basilan?

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Photo credit: PIA