Alsons to boost RE capacity in Mindanao
BY JAMES A. LOYOLA – Sep 6, 2023 03:55 PM
from Manila Bulletin
Publicly-listed Alsons Consolidated Resources, the power firm of the Alcantara Group, is aiming to play a key role in the Philippines’ pivot to clean and secured energy sources, particularly in Mindanao, by increasing its renewable power generation capacity.
This is according to Alsons Power Group Senior Vice President for Business Development and Marketing Ernesto Joseph C. Nocos who spoke during the recently concluded 32nd Mindanao Business Conference (MINBIZCON) at Pagadian City.
Alsons Power Group’s Senior Vice President for Business Development and Marketing Joseph C. Nocos speaking during the 32nd Mindanao Business Conference (MINBIZCON).
He said the Alcantara-led power firm remains steadfast in helping address the dual challenges of meeting growing energy demands and ensuring a secure, reliable, and affordable power supply, along with the pursuit of achieving a sustainable energy future in Mindanao and the rest of the country.
Currently, Alsons Power has a portfolio of three power facilities with an aggregate capacity of 413 megawatts (MW) serving over eight million people in 14 cities and 11 provinces in Mindanao.
“We have always gone the extra mile in minimizing and mitigating the impact that our (traditional) power plants have on the environment. More than just enabling them to comply with environmental guidelines, we have equipped and are operating them to keep the levels of pollutants as low as possible,” he said.
The company now sets its sights on achieving a roughly 60:40 ratio of renewable to non-renewable capacity balance across its portfolio.
The Siguil Hydro Power Corporation, now developing its 14.5 MW hydroelectric station in Maasim town, is the first of the group’s plans to deploy about 200 MW of hydroelectric power and 400 MW of solar energy across various regions, with a primary focus on Mindanao and some areas of Visayas.
MINBIZCON aims to provide a platform for top businessmen, key industry players, government executives, and other private sector leaders to engage in discussions surrounding economic concerns and opportunities in the region.
A prominent player in the energy sector, Alsons Power consistently participated in the highly anticipated event, which is organized annually by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce Inc.
Following this year’s theme: “Pivoting to borderless business in Mindanao,” Alsons Power emphasized its dedication to contributing to the development of Mindanao by aligning with global market demands, as well as on the creation of enhanced policies and strategies that will drive the progress of the region.
“We are one with the Department of Energy, the National Electrification Administration, and the Energy Regulatory Commission and their efforts to enhance the regulatory and policy framework of the power industry towards a more sustainable development of power generating capacity,” Nocos said.
