DOE flips switch on nearly 1 GW of new power
The Department of Energy announced nearly one gigawatt of new power capacity has come online to the grid this year, with renewable energy (RE) projects accounting for the majority.
In a statement on Thursday, Nov. 27, the DOE reported 956 megawatts (MW) of newly inserted capacity into the national grid, complemented by 160 MW of new energy storage systems (ESS) commissioned in Luzon and Visayas.
These new generations are being energized by 12 RE plants, one oil-based plant, and one natural gas-fired facility, most of which began commissioning in the second half of the year.
The ESS capacity will boost grid stability by storing excess power during off-peak hours and releasing it during high-demand periods.
“These projects strengthen the grid’s ability to meet peak demand, reduce the risk of supply shortfalls, and provide greater flexibility in managing both baseload and variable loads,” the DOE stated.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said this capacity aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to speed up the construction of 200 power plants slated for the next three years.
“By combining renewable energy projects with flexible conventional plants and modern energy storage, we are building an energy system that is cleaner, more reliable, and more resilient,” she said.
The agency is closely coordinating with stakeholders, regulators, and the private sector to expedite project developments through measures like processing permits and securing realistic timelines. This effort is designed to improve energy security, affordability, and an orderly energy transition.
The DOE aims to secure a 35 percent share of RE in the country’s power mix by 2030, with a potential increase to 50 percent by 2040.