Visayas Region In The Philippines Advances Solar Energy Commitments To 760 MW

As of June 2024, this region is witnessing the development of 25 renewable energy projects that have successfully attained financial closure and are currently under construction, with an impressive total potential capacity of 1.98 gigawatts (GW).

Photo Credit: Mariana Proença, Unsplash

The Visayas region of the Philippines, one of the nation’s three major island groupings, has taken significant steps towards enhancing its renewable energy portfolio by committing to 760 megawatts (MW) of new solar initiatives, as reported by the Department of Energy (DOE). As of June 2024, this region is witnessing the development of 25 renewable energy projects that have successfully attained financial closure and are currently under construction, with an impressive total potential capacity of 1.98 gigawatts (GW).

Solar energy constitutes the largest segment of this capacity, representing 38.37% or 760 MW. Wind energy follows, accounting for 26.01%, which corresponds to 516 MW, whilst battery energy storage systems (BESS) contribute 15.64% of the total, equivalent to 310 MW. Furthermore, projects focusing on geothermal, hydro, and biomass energy are also being pursued, thereby diversifying the region’s energy resources.

Noteworthy solar projects in the pipeline include the 300 MW facility by Solar Philippines Visayas Corporation located in both Kananga and Ormoc, alongside the 226.84 MW site by San Isidro Solar Power Corporation in San Isidro. Additional efforts include Citicore’s 70 MW project and PetroGreen Energy Corporation’s 20.62 MW facility in Dagohoy. The Energy Development Corporation is developing two BESS projects, each with a capacity of 30 MW, while San Miguel Global Power has a 20 MW project underway in Tabango.

According to data from the DOE, the Visayas region is also planning an additional 55 power projects, which combine to offer a substantial potential capacity of 16.5 GW. As of May 2024, the region is home to a total of 76 power plants, collectively boasting a capacity of 3,334 MW, of which 49% is derived from renewable sources.

In a broader context, the Philippines has set ambitious targets aimed at achieving 35% of its power generation mix from renewable energy sources by the year 2030. This goal is set to increase to 40% by 2040 and to surpass 50% by 2050. The Department of Energy also indicated that the country is poised to activate nearly 2 GW of solar capacity in the current year, bolstered by an additional 590 MW of battery storage capacity.

These developments signify not only the Philippines’ commitment to sustainability but also the pivotal role that the Visayas region is destined to play in the nation’s energy transition towards a more renewable-centric future.