DOE unveils 325-MW RE surge for Agusan del Norte
The Department of Energy (DOE) reported more than 300 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy (RE) capacity is set to come online in Agusan del Norte, a move that would help bolster the province's energy security.
In a statement, the DOE said 325.07 MW of new capacity is expected, the majority of which will be generated by wind developments. This includes the Lake Mainit wind power project, owned by UPC Mindanao Wind Power Corp.
The facility, located across the Surigao del Norte municipalities of Mainit, Malimono, Tubod, and Placer, and Agusan del Norte's Jabonga, is expected to generate 200 MW once construction is complete.
Agusan del Norte is also poised to gain 30 MW of hydropower capacity. In March, Lopez-led First Gen Corp.’s FGen Puro Hydro Corp. was included among the country’s hydropower projects. The hydroelectric facility, located in Jabonga, is currently under development.
Additionally, the province expects 11.07 MW of solar capacity, as well as a 48 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) and seven transmission projects aimed at providing grid reliability in Mindanao.
The DOE recently conducted a site inspection of the Lake Mainit area, where the existing 24.9 MW Lake Mainit Hydropower plant is situated in Jabonga.
“The plant not only supplies clean power to the Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANECO) but also provides crucial flood mitigation benefits that support agriculture and community resilience,” the statement noted.
Energy Undersecretary Mylene Capongcol said the province, which has a strong development plan that could boast about 457.97 MW of capacity, would contribute significantly to the country’s goals of achieving a higher share of RE in the generation mix.
“Agusan del Norte’s commitment to achieving energy security through innovative, indigenous renewable solutions sets a strong example for the country,” she said. “By harnessing its local resources, the province is ensuring reliable, accessible, and sustainable power for its people while contributing meaningfully to our national energy goals.”