Most of the 25 power projects in the Visayas region, with a combined potential capacity of 1,982 megawatts (MW), will generate renewable energy (RE).
The Department of Energy (DOE) data revealed that these projects, expected to be operational by 2024 and 2025, are predominantly solar at 38.37% capacity, followed by wind at 26.01% and battery energy storage systems (BESS) at 15.64%.
Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) chief data scientist Jephraim Manansala explained that committed projects are those in the construction phase or have secured financial closure as of June 2024.
Other RE types involved in these projects include geothermal, hydro, and biomass, while the rest involve oil and coal.
Notable solar power developments include Solar Philippines Visayas Corporation’s 300 MW facility in Kananga and Ormoc, Leyte; San Isidro Solar Power Corporation’s 226.84 MW project in San Isidro, Leyte; and PetroGreen Energy Corporation’s 20.62 MW facility in Dagohoy, Bohol.
Meanwhile, geothermal projects under development include Energy Development Corporation (EDC)’s 28 MW in Ormoc, Leyte; Biliran Geothermal Inc.’s 6 MW in Biliran and 2 MW in Caibiran, both in Biliran province; and EDC’s 5.65 MW in Bago, Negros Occidental.
Additionally, hydropower projects include Iraya Ventures Inc.’s 14.16 MW in Taft, Eastern Visayas; Century Peak Energy Corporation’s 8.10 MW in Igbaras, Iloilo; and Leyte Electric Cooperative V’s 2 MW in Kananga, Leyte. PetroWind Energy Inc. is also developing a 13.56 MW wind project in Nabas and Malay, Aklan.
Biomass projects also include an 8 MW facility by Central Azucarera de San Antonio in Passi, Iloilo, and HDJ Bayawan Agri-Venture Corp.’s 6 MW project in Bayawan, Negros Oriental.
Two BESS projects of 30 MW each are being developed by EDC in Kananga, Leyte, and Valencia, Negros Oriental. San Miguel Global Power is also building a 20 MW BESS in Tabango, Leyte.
Additional RE projects include Citicore’s 70 MW solar and 152 MW wind projects and First Max Power International’s 150 MW wind project.
Meanwhile, 55 indicative power projects are still in the planning phase in Visayas, with a potential total capacity of 16,466 MW.
As of May 2024, the Visayas is home to 76 power plants with a total dependable capacity of 3,334 MW, 49% of which is from renewable energy.
