BUSINESS

Panay gets 775-MW power buildup through 2030

Maria Bernadette Romero · Sep 16, 2026, 3:02 AM

THE Department of Energy is actively accelerating the Mindoro-Panay Interconnection Project which will establish a highly anticipated ‘western loop’ linking Luzon and the Visayas. The project is a game-changer because once completed, it will allow the Visayas Grid to plug directly into the upcoming Batangas-Mindoro Interconnection Project, creating an alternative energy highway from Luzon to help insulate Panay from devastating regional power alerts and outages. — Philippine News Agency

The Department of Energy (DoE) is lining up 775 megawatts (MW) of new generation capacity in Panay through 2030 to secure enough electricity for Western Visayas’ growing economy and reduce the region’s exposure to recurring supply constraints.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said Tuesday the government is advancing a mix of baseload and flexible generation projects alongside a major transmission interconnection as part of its near-, medium-, and long-term strategy for the region.

Under the pipeline, Panay could gain 135 MW of baseload capacity by 2028, another 270 MW in 2029 and 150 MW in 2030.

More flexible generation

The region could also receive 220 MW of gas-fired mid-merit capacity by 2028, providing more flexible generation that can respond to swings in electricity demand and supply.

Combined, the projects would provide 775 MW of additional capacity through 2030 to support households, businesses, industries, and future investments in Western Visayas.

The DoE is also advancing the Mindoro-Panay Interconnection Project, which is expected to strengthen Panay’s access to power from outside the region.

Once completed, the project will connect the Visayas Grid to the transmission link between Batangas and Mindoro, creating another connection between Luzon and the Visayas.

The link is expected to give the grids greater flexibility to transfer available electricity during tight supply conditions and generation outages.

“Securing Panay’s energy future requires us to address today’s supply constraints while building the generation and transmission infrastructure that Western Visayas will need in the years ahead. This is a shared responsibility and strong stakeholder support is vital to delivering stable electricity, driving economic growth and improving the lives of every Filipino in Region VI,” Garin said.