The provincial government of Antique is advancing its renewable energy goals with a new development plan aimed at securing clean, cost-effective energy from natural sources.
Antique’s Renewable Energy Plan (AREP), currently in development, will set a roadmap for the province to shift from coal and bunker fuel to renewable energy sources.
“After the Energy Forum, the Antique Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) will now come up with the Antique Renewable Energy Plan (AREP) that will be presented to the Provincial Development Council during its meeting next month so we can transition into renewable energy from the traditional coal and bunker fuel,” said OIC Governor Dante Beriong.
The AREP will provide the Provincial Development Council with insights into potential investment opportunities and funding sources to support these renewable energy projects.
Acting PPDO Chief Bienvinido Nallos Jr. highlighted the province’s resources, including micro and mini-hydropower facilities, as viable options for expanding local energy generation.
“These micro and mini-hydropower plants managed by local government units (LGUs) have significant potential for scaling up,” Nallos said, adding that they are also assessing opportunities in wind and solar energy.
The AREP aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, aligning with Antique’s goals of ensuring sustainable energy access for its residents while fostering eco-friendly development.