THE Department of Energy (DOE) on Sunday said it was expediting the grid connection of 22 power plant projects that would produce 1,471 megawatts (MW) of electricity.
“At a time when the country must act with urgency and discipline to protect the integrity of the power system, the timely delivery of committed capacity is imperative,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said amid global oil market volatility and soaring fuel costs triggered by the war in Iran.
The 22 projects — in advanced construction or final testing stages — will provide crucial near-term capacity to support growing electricity demand and strengthen overall grid reliability, the DOE said.
Their capacities will come entirely from renewable energy — 12 solar plants with 1,284 MW; six hydroelectric, 48.23 MW; two biomass, 38 MW; one wind, 13.56 MW; and a 20-MW integrated renewable energy storage system.
These are part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s directive for the DOE to fast-track the building of 200 power plants over the next three years to expand the country’s electricity supply.
To date, 24 have been running with 1,178.642 MW capacity.
In March alone, three solar plants started operations, while seven battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities with 190 MW capacity are now online.
The DOE is coordinating with the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, the Energy Regulatory Commission, and the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (Iemop) to facilitate transmission, interconnection, and regulatory requirements to prevent delays in plant operations.
“Every megawatt that can be safely and lawfully brought into the grid strengthens our ability to meet demand, manage supply risks, and protect consumer,” the DOE said.
