DOE unveils energy masterplan

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — The Department of Energy (DoE) on Friday presented a draft energy masterplan aimed at strengthening Palawan’s power generation and transmission infrastructure amid rising electricity demand in the province.

The Mainland Palawan Energy Masterplan covers renewable energy opportunities, a proposed 69-kilovolt transmission project and other priority infrastructure to support the island province’s long-term power needs.

The initiative seeks to shift power planning in Palawan from repeatedly addressing supply and infrastructure constraints to a longer-term approach focused on electricity reliability.

Palawan operates an isolated power system, making adequate local generation and transmission infrastructure crucial as residential, commercial and tourism activities drive up electricity demand.

The National Power Corporation’s 2025-2029 Missionary Electrification Plan identifies the completion and enhancement of Palawan’s 69-kV transmission backbone as among the measures needed to accommodate load growth and additional generation capacity while improving power reliability and quality.

The DoE has also identified Palawan as one of 23 provinces with potential sites for future microgrid development to bring electricity to unserved and underserved communities.

Ten unserved areas in Palawan and Camarines Sur have undergone detailed assessment and validation under a technical assistance program supported by the Uwnited Kingdom’s Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions program.

The DoE earlier said it would convene the Palawan provincial government, local government units, legislators, national government agencies and power-sector stakeholders for the presentation of the draft plan.

The masterplan is intended to provide a framework for future energy investments and infrastructure needed to meet Palawan’s long-term electricity requirements.