By Francis Allan L. Angelo
The Visayas region is set to add 1,982 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy (RE) by 2025, with Iloilo and Negros Island among the key beneficiaries of these developments.
According to data from the Department of Energy (DOE), the region is home to 25 power projects currently in construction, with the majority focused on sustainable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower.
In Iloilo, significant investments include Century Peak Energy Corporation’s 8.10 MW hydropower project in Igbaras and Central Azucarera de San Antonio’s 8 MW biomass facility in Passi.
Meanwhile, Negros Island will benefit from multiple projects, such as the Energy Development Corporation (EDC)’s 5.65 MW geothermal development in Bago, Negros Occidental, and HDJ Bayawan Agri-Venture Corp.’s 6 MW biomass project in Bayawan, Negros Oriental.
Negros Island will also host two battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects: a 30 MW facility by EDC in Valencia, Negros Oriental, and another 30 MW project by San Miguel Global Power in Tabango, Leyte, adding to the island’s energy capacity and stability.
Key Projects in Solar and Wind Energy
The DOE report highlighted that solar energy will account for 38.37% of the total 1,982 MW capacity. Notable solar projects include Solar Philippines Visayas Corporation’s 300 MW facility in Kananga and Ormoc, Leyte, and San Isidro Solar Power Corporation’s 226.84 MW development in San Isidro, Leyte.
Wind energy, contributing 26.01% to the total capacity, will also see significant expansion, with PetroWind Energy Inc. developing a 13.56 MW wind project in Nabas and Malay, Aklan. Other major wind projects include Citicore’s 70 MW solar and 152 MW wind projects, and First Max Power International’s 150 MW wind development.
Visayas Leading in Renewable Energy
As of May 2024, the Visayas region operates 76 power plants with a total dependable capacity of 3,334 MW, nearly half of which—49%—is generated from renewable energy. The continued push for sustainable energy sources is expected to significantly boost the region’s clean energy production by 2025.
