THE 'Road to Renewables: Conversations on Energy Transition' forum in Iloilo City. (Tara Yap)
ILOILO CITY — The province of Iloilo is potentially becoming a major area for renewable energy (RE) projects.
During the recent Road to “Renewables: Conversations on Energy Transition," the Department of Energy (DOE) in the Visayas disclosed that almost 1,400 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind service contracts have been awarded.
Pope John Sotto, senior policy officer for Global Wind Energy Council, noted that Iloilo’s offshore wind energy might be able to produce 35 percent of the country’s electricity demand if fully developed.
The shift to accepting alternative energy sources began with the passage of the Iloilo Provincial Ordinance of Renewable Energy Ordinance of 2022 (I-PORE 2022), the first in the country crafted by a local government unit (LGU)
Rey Victor Garin, Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) focal person, noted that local energy offices have been established to support project implementation.
Discussions organized by the Clean, Affordable, and Secure Energy (CASE) for Southeast Asia Project focused on the challenges of implementing RE projects in Iloilo.
CASE for Southeast Asia partnered with the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), GIZ Philippines, and the provincial government in gathering local officials, civil society groups, and industry experts to find solutions to challenges.
One is pushing for more benefits for local communities that host projects.
Gaspar Escobar Jr., ICSC grid modernization advisor, said that Energy Regulations No. 1-94 mandates that electricity sales from RE support electrification, livelihood, and environmental programs.
“The shift towards renewable energy is not only technical; it is a societal transformation,” added Romil Hernandez, ICSC director for energy policy.
Provincial Board Member Rolly Distura assured that he is pushing to simplify requirements for RE projects.
As the principal author of I-PORE 2022, Distura said the complex requirements are driving RE investors away.
Distura said that the proposed ordinance mandates LGUs of the 42 towns or the component city of Passi to make requirements easier in order to entice RE investors.