The Department of Energy (DOE) reported that, as of November 27, 956 megawatts (MW) of new power generation capacity have been added to the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao grids. This marks early progress in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to accelerate the construction of 200 power plants over the next three years. The DOE also confirmed that 160 MW of energy storage systems are now operational in Luzon and Visayas.

In an official statement, Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said the project completions reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen reliability and resilience across the country’s power system. “Every megawatt we add to the grid is not just a number on paper; it is electricity for homes, power for businesses, and confidence for investors,” she said.

Most of the newly added capacity began commissioning in the second half of the year. The 956 MW came from twelve renewable energy plants, one oil-based facility, and one natural gas-fired plant. According to the DOE, these additions will help ease supply pressure during peak demand and improve flexibility in managing both baseload and variable renewable output.

The 160 MW of new energy storage systems were rolled out in Luzon and Visayas to boost grid stability. The DOE said that these systems help store excess electricity during off-peak hours and release it when demand is high or renewable generation dips, thus reducing the need for costly peaking plants and supporting wider renewable energy integration.

Garin also said these project milestones demonstrate the administration’s push to convert policy commitments into operational infrastructure. She added that combining renewable energy projects with conventional plants and modern storage facilities supports the goal of building a cleaner, more reliable, and more resilient energy system.

The DOE noted that the newly commissioned facilities represent early gains under the broader pipeline of projects aligned with the 200 power plant directive. The department also promises that it will continue working with private developers and regulators to streamline permitting and accelerate additional capacity additions.

With new capacity already contributing to the grid, how do you think this momentum will shape the country’s push for a more reliable and resilient power system?

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