Philippines’ Mindanao Targets 50% Renewable Energy Mix By 2030 To Address Energy Challenges

Mindanao, grappling with energy and environmental challenges spurred by rapid industrialization and population growth, has set an ambitious target of achieving a 50-percent renewable energy (RE) share in the overall energy mix by 2030.

Monalisa Dimalanta, the chairperson of the Energy Regulatory Commission, announced during a press briefing that Mindanao already stands at 37 per cent in terms of renewable energy generation capacity, surpassing the national target of 35 per cent.

Despite a peak demand of 2,167 megawatts and an installed capacity of 4,570 MW, Mindanao has excess capacity, making the 50-percent goal feasible, Dimalanta emphasized during the Mindanao Clean Energy Forum 2023 and Renewable Energy Congress.

To achieve this target, considerations must encompass generation, cost, and system requirements. Jose Raul Saniel, president of the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives, expressed optimism about reaching the 50-percent RE mix by 2030, contingent on economic growth and substantial investments to accommodate increasing power demand.

The ongoing efforts align with the island’s potential as a trailblazer in transitioning to renewable energy, utilizing abundant resources like solar, wind, and hydropower.