Some 472 renewable energy projects were granted service contracts over the last four years, pointing to an 8% increase in the share of renewables in the energy mix, the Department of Energy (DoE) said.
In a webinar hosted by the Ateneo de Manila University School of Government Thursday, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said the government remained committed to enforcing Republic Act No. 9513, or the Renewable Energy Act, while maintaining a neutral stance on which energy sources to promote.
“Since 2016, we have awarded a total of 472 Renewable Energy Service Contracts, with a potential capacity of 20 gigawatts (GW). This may translate to an additional 8% RE (renewable energy) share to our Total Primary Energy Supply,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said.
The approved capacity for renewables, he said, is higher than the 14.5 GW to be generated by indicative and committed coal plant projects.
In 2019, the country’s renewable sources accounted for 33% of the primary energy supply.
Mr. Cusi said it is “best” to tap readily-available resources and extend “all the necessary support to encourage their development.”
“We need to maximize geothermal and hydro energy utilization, as they have proven their reliability as baseload power sources, crucial for our commercial and industrial needs,” he added. — Adam J. Ang
