A climate and energy think tank believes that expanding Panay Island’s power-generation portfolio would eliminate the chance of another island blackout.
In a report by the Inquirer, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) stressed the importance of a diversified energy portfolio for Panay to become more adaptable to system failures, considering Western Visayas is largely dependent on coal-fired power plants.
ICSC also suggested trying other energy storage technologies and strengthening the grid connections on Panay Island. Panay, which encompasses the provinces of Capiz, Antique, Iloilo, and Aklan, is dependent on coal-fired power plants offering a total of 451 megawatts (MW).
The coal-fired power plants in question encompass three units from Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC) — Units 1 and 2, each with an 83 MW capacity, and Unit 3, providing 150 MW. Additionally, the power lineup includes the 135 MW power plant operated by Palm Concepcion Power Corporation (PCPC).
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) released a yellow notice due to the facility’s complete shutdown. A red alert signifies an unstable electricity supply and possible electrical outages.