Nearly 200 MW of renewable energy sources in Mindoro

Business World Online
Posted on August 18, 2014 10:56:00 PM

THE ENERGY department sees nearly 200 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy resources that can be developed within the island of Mindoro, according to its statement yesterday.

The potential capacity was highlighted in the local power development plan that was presented by the department to Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative, Inc. on Aug. 16.

“The Mindoro Island Power Development Plan highlighted the potential energy sources and prospective plans for the improvement of energy facilities and services in the region,” the department explained.

The plan showed that the island has 47.1 MW power projects that can be developed using hydro and ocean technologies; as well as 151.2 MW using biomass.

Once developed, these capacities will add to the 189.3 MW renewable energy projects that have already been awarded by the department.

Besides renewable energy, Mindoro also has the capability to produce 76.36 billion cubic feet of gas should exploration works within Service Contract 53 succeed.

As an off-grid area, Mindoro is being served by National Power Corp.’s Small Power Utilities Group. The government plans to link the island grid to the country’s main grid through an interconnection line from Batangas.

The interconnection project is targeted to be completed by 2023, according to the Energy department.

“Once completed, the island will be part of the Luzon grid therefore making the region independent from missionary electrification subsidies,” it added.

The power development plan for Mindoro serves as one of the pilot initiatives of the Energy department to establish energy independence across all regions in the country.

“The Mindoro Development Plan is an effort shared by the people of the two provinces -- Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro,” the statement quoted Energy Undersecretary Raul B. Aguilos as saying.

“Careful energy planning and strategies are essential methods to secure the island’s growing industries and stir it towards progress,” he added.

Similar plans are being formulated for other off-grid areas like Palawan, as well as major parts of the Visayas.

The Energy department said that this activity would highlight the importance of energy planning towards the aim of fulfilling the growing power needs across the country. -- Claire-Ann Marie C. Feliciano source