THE FIRST Mindanao Clean Energy Forum X Renewable Energy Congress on Nov. 20-21 highlighted the 50-50 parity between renewable energy and fossil fuels by 2030.
Undersecretary Janet M. Lopoz, MinDA executive director, said Mindanao is standing at 31. 57% renewable energy capacity while fossil fuels (coal and diesel) are at 68.3% at present.
“By setting the ambitious target of achieving 50% by 2030, we are not only demonstrating our commitment in mitigating climate change but also, unlocking new opportunities for the communities and families in Mindanao,” Lopoz told participants during the forum in Acacia Hotel.
Lopoz stressed the need for an aggressive yet strategic approach to combat climate change and global warming. For instance, developing an energy system collectively will elevate the ambition of 50-50 renewable and fossil fuel mix closer to reality.
“Mindanao has an opportunity to be a beacon of sustainable development, and by embracing clean and renewable energy, we can build a legacy of environmental stewardship for future generations,” she added.
During her keynote speech, Energy Regulatory Commission chair Monalisa Dimalanta said aiming for 50:50 by 2030 in Mindanao might be ambitious but remains “doable” as it is the only island in the country with excess energy capacity.
Dimalanta cited figures from the Department of Energy (DOE) in 2022 showing the demand at 2,167 megawatts compared to the installed capacity of 4,570 MW.
In terms of generation, the chairman said, coal is at 60% while RE is at 37%, which already exceeds the national target of 35 percent RE power generation mix by 2030.
“Lamang na lamang. The 50% RE by 2030 is a very realistic ambition for Mindanao than the rest of the country,” Dimalanta said.
National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) 2020-2040 is set to revert RE share by 35% in 2030 and 50% by 2040.
The two-day congress aims to fast-track the energy scenario in Mindanao as it includes panel discussions on topics of revolutionizing energy and driving higher RE Targets and Net Zero visions, policies and market mechanism enhancement for RE development, wider RE adoption across various sectors, and business models for RE projects in the country.
It also seeks to address challenges in electricity access with potential renewable energy solutions through discussions on rural electrification through RE integration by 2028 status and ways forward.
“By the end of these two days, we will be able to lay down a patchwork quilt of our dreams that will guide us all the way to not just 2030, 2040, and beyond,” Dimalanta stressed.
Mindanao Renewable Energy Acceleration and Coordination Hub (MinReach) is in collaboration with the Center for Empowerment, iNnovation and Training on Renewable Energy (CentRE), and in partnership with Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Ateneo de Davao University Peace & Equity Foundation AMRECO, Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines Inc. (IEMOP Inc.)
The congress is part of the 16th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week.
