Wala nang brownout? DOE confirms 4,000 MW additional energy capacity in 2019

Where do we get reliable and affordable energy supply

At least 4,000 MW worth of energy projects are expected to come online this year, an official from the Department of Energy (DOE) said.

“As per submissions of gencos (generation companies), some 2,927 MW in Luzon, 765.8 MW in [the] Visayas and 763.4 MW in Mindanao are expected in 2019,” DOE Electric Power Industry Management Bureau Director Mario C. Marasigan told BusinessMirror.

Marasigan noted that some big ticket projects are included in 2019, including Limay Power Phase II Unit 4 (150 MW), Masinloc expansion Unit 2 (300 MW), GNPower Dinginin Unit 1(600 MW), San Buenaventura Power (500 MW), Redondo Peninsula (600 MW), Energy World Combined cycle (650 MW), Concepcion 1 Solar Philippines (115 MW), Therma Visayas (300 MW), Concepcion Coal of Palm Thermal (135 MW), GNPower Kauswagan (600 MW) and Southern Mindanao Coal (100 MW).

He added that while the list came from power firms, some delays in the commercial operation dates are possible.

“We have to account for every submission, nonetheless. It’s good to note that these power plants are well spread within the year. Our outlook for this year is good,” he was quoted as saying.

DOE Assistant Secretary Redentor Delola earlier said that the DOE is optimistic that the country will meet its energy demands this year following the incoming capacities.

“If we will have problems, there won’t be a red alert, only yellow alert,” said Delola.

Yellow alerts are issued when the operating supply drops below the required 647 MW contingency in Luzon; a red alert is issued when the power reserve left on the grid is equivalent to just four percent of the current power demand. Power interruption  may take place during this scenario.