DOE maps out policies to spur R.E. surge

Driving the country toward a greener future, the Department of Energy (DoE) is eyeing the development of more policies to support private energy companies in fast-tracking the Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050, which targets a 50 percent renewable share in the nation’s power mix by 2040.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin, who recently visited the Makiling-Banahaw (MakBan) Geothermal Power Facility and Cleanergy Center of Aboitiz Renewables Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corp., said the agency will pursue public-private energy partnerships to advance the industry.

Not just to regulate but to partner with private sector

“The government is not just here to regulate. We are here to enable, partner with, and support you every step of the way. Together, we’ll continue to craft policies, create platforms, and build partnerships that lead us to achieve our energy goals,” Garin said Friday.

Hosted by AboitizPower president and CEO Danel Aboitiz and Aboitiz Renewables executives led by President Jimmy Villaroman, Secretary Garin toured the facility and received briefings on the company’s renewable energy portfolio and project pipeline.

The 338.8-megawatt MakBan facility, one of the country’s largest and oldest geothermal plants, has been delivering reliable power to Luzon for over four decades.

First-ever BESS and geothermal hybrid system

Nearby, a battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Bay, Laguna is under construction and is set to become the Philippines’ first-ever BESS and geothermal hybrid system.

“To the Aboitiz Renewables team, partners, and the host communities, congratulations on the continuing and thriving partnership you are showing in the operation of these geothermal power plants and innovative projects,” Garin said.

“May this inspire continued collaboration between the government, host communities, and the private sector in advancing clean and green energy for all Filipinos,” she added.

The Philippines is currently the third-largest geothermal power producer globally after the United States and Indonesia, having been the second-largest until 2018.

RE is the future

“We believe that renewables are not just a necessary part of the future — they are the future,” Villaroman said. “For us, every kilowatt we deliver is a contribution to our customers, to the power system, and to a more sustainable and resilient Philippines.”