The Department of Energy (DOE) said Thursday that about 956 megawatts of power capacity have been added to the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao main grids to ensure sufficient power supply.
The additional power capacity comes from 12 power plants using renewable energy technologies, one oil-based power plant, and one natural gas-fired power plant, the department added.
“These projects strengthen the grid’s ability to meet peak demand, reduce the risk of supply shortfalls, and provide greater flexibility in managing both baseload and variable loads,” the DOE said in a statement.
The upgrade to the power capacity of the three main grids is also complemented by 160 MW of new energy storage systems (ESS) capacity located in Luzon and Visayas. The DOE said that the ESS will enhance grid stability and resiliency.
“By storing excess electricity during off-peak hours and releasing it when demand is high or when renewable output dips, these systems help smooth fluctuations, reduce dependence on expensive peaking plants, and support the integration of more renewable energy into the power mix,” the Energy Dept. said.
The latest developments are in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive in his State of the Nation Address last July to set up 200 plants that would energize 4 million households before the end of his term. The government is also eyeing to have additional one million households to be energized with solar power by 2028.
“Every megawatt we add to the grid is not just a number on paper; it is electricity for homes, power for businesses, and confidence for investors. By combining renewable energy projects with flexible conventional plants and modern energy storage, we are building an energy system that is cleaner, more reliable, and more resilient,” said Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.
“This is how we honor the President’s directive: by turning commitments into completed projects that keep the lights on, bring down the risk of outages, and ensure that our people and our industries have the energy they need to move forward.” —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News