DOE sets 20,000-MW target for RE by 2040
By Jordeene B. Lagare – February 17, 2020
from The Manila Times
THE Department of Energy (DoE) is targeting another 20,000 megawatts (MW) in renewable energy (RE) by 2040, in line with the government’s long-term vision of eliminating poverty in the Philippines, its official said.
“(We are targeting an) additional 20,000 MW by the end of 2040,” said Mylene Capongcol, director of the DoE’s Renewable Energy Management Bureau.
Under its National Renewable Energy Program, the agency is seeking to increase the country’s RE-based power capacity to 15,304 MW by 2030, almost triple the 2010 capacity level of 5,438 MW.
However, the DoE fell short of achieving its RE goal as only about 7,300 MW of renewables were injected into the country’s energy mix, based on its assessment covering 2011 to 2017.
Capongcol told reporters that the Energy department failed to meet their objective because of the delay in the promulgation of circulars needed to spur the development of renewables in the country.
Currently, the National Renewable Energy Board, the bureau guiding the agency on the implementation of RE initiatives in the country, is updating the program.
“Ina-update namin yun, ina-assess natin kasi ang naging mga cause nun ay na-delay yung mga promulgation ng mga support policies that will further yung development nung RE. (We are assessing what caused the delay in the issuance of policies that will further the development of RE),” Capongcol said.
“Ongoing yung internal consultation and then eventually rin naman may ipa-public consultation namin (Our internal consultation is ongoing and eventually, we will hold public consultations to solicit comments or suggestions from stakeholders),” she added.
The DoE is confident of achieving the new target in two decades, citing RE policies in place and the ones being crafted by the agency. “Based doon sa simulation namin (based on our simulation) and with the program in place, we’re confident,” Capongcol added.
It released policies aimed at accelerating the development of clean energy such as Net Metering Program, Renewable Portfolio Standards, Green Energy Option Program, and Omnibus Guidelines Governing the Award and Administration of Renewable Energy Contracts and the Registration of Renewable Energy Developers.
