Mindoro town declares 100% renewable energy by 2030

February 4, 2025

To improve the city’s energy resilience in the face of greater climate challenges, the municipality of Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro has declared a switch to 100% renewable energy (RE) by 2030.

To reach this goal, Sablayan government officials have partnered with the Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro and the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), the widest grassroots climate movement in the country.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed last January 20 during the 123rd Founding Anniversary of the town. Mindoro Occidental Gov. Ed Gadiano, Vice Gov. Anecita Tayag, Rep. Leody Tarriela, Sablayan Vice Mayor Edwin Mintu, and officers of Occidental Mindoro Electric Cooperative Inc. (Omeco) were present for the MOU signing.

“What gives weight to the accord is the support of the provincial government in the call for 100% renewables. A total of 13.99 gigawatts (GW) renewable potential will be made available by 2030, which is more than thirty times the current demand of the town,” PMCJ National Coordinator Ian Rivera said.

(Also read: Powering Through 2024: Top 5 Energy Highlights in the PH)

During a presentation at the MOU signing, Luzon PMCJ Luzon Coordinator Erwin Puhawan provided insights on the province’s power situation. “The peak demand in 2020 is 24.48 megawatts (MW) higher than the 24.16 MW in 2019 by one percent. Peak demand has no significant changes owing to the effect of the pandemic on the local economic activities,” Puhawan shared.

PMCJ National Coordinator Rivera emphasized the crucial role of local government units (LGU) in expanding access to renewable energy.

“Year after year, LGUs take up the vital role in addressing the climate crisis. Forging tangible partnerships, and policy and campaign initiatives, are all essential for the ongoing global campaign for climate justice,” Rivera said.

(Also read: Clean Energy Ahead: A Clean Energy Industry Update)

Sablayan joins other LGUs pushing for clean energy

The provinces of Albay and Misamis Oriental are also pushing for 100% RE by 2030.

Albay is frequently affected by severe typhoons that damage communities and infrastructure, exacerbate power issues, and disrupt the local economy.

Last February 2024, Albay Gov. Greco Lagman signed an MOU with the PMCJ to work with communities, businesses, the academe, and other stakeholders to promote and develop renewable energy in Albay and its neighboring provinces.

Lagman shared plans for site surveys and the development of a roadmap for RE projects.

“We have more than 988 GW of untapped RE potential, [which is] more than enough for Albay’s energy needs. With good planning, legislative and policy measures, this potential will increase tenfold,” said Lagman.

Lagman hopes to make 10 GW of renewables available before 2030 and share this power supply with other provinces, establishing Albay and the Bicol region as a center for renewable energy in Luzon.

“With a long-term vision of leadership, [the] right business and investment models, and inclusive development, Albay and the Bicol Region will ignite a modern industrial renaissance whose benefits will be shared by all the people,” Lagman added.

(Also read: Renewables make up lion’s share of new energy projects in 2025)

The provincial government of Misamis Oriental also signed an MOU with PCMJ, the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), and the Institute of Power Sector Economics (IPSEc) to create a comprehensive local Renewable Energy and Investment Plan.

Misamis Oriental has an estimated 1,214.48 MW of potential renewable energy, a resource this partnership aims to harness for greater regional energy resilience and sustainability.

“This collaboration between PMCJ, USTP, Agropolis, and IPSEC will make available not less than 1 GW of renewables for the province. This is Misamis Oriental’s response to the global call for climate action and the transition away from fossil fuels,” said PMCJ national coordinator Ian Rivera.

Striking a balance

The benefits of renewable energy cannot be disputed, but a successful transition to clean power demands significant funding, grid modernization, and effective governance.

At the recent Paderanga-Varela Memorial Lecture (PVML) held by the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF), thought leaders discussed the challenges of balancing energy security with reducing carbon emissions.

In his presentation, Dr. Eduardo Araral, Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, rated the country’s infrastructure readiness for renewables as low. “I think our infrastructure is not yet ready,” he said. “I think we should not say blindly, ‘We should stop financing legacy fuels.’ I think that would be very dangerous.”

Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara reiterated that “coal power plants have a role to play in the Philippine energy transition as we still have a growing economy to support and our RE power plants still need to be built.”

Undersecretary Atty. Jonas Leones of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) added, “If we will operate the power plant for these renewable projects, that will require enormous energy…As mentioned by Usec Guevarra, we can’t really escape from the coal power plants.”

With peak power demand reaching more than 17 GW last 2023, a balanced energy mix is vital for the country’s economic growth. While renewable energy is key to achieving climate goals, traditional sources remain essential for a smooth and successful transition that ensures a reliable and inclusive energy future.

Sources:

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/01/21/occidental-mindoro-town-eyes-having-100-renewable-energy-by-2030/

https://climatejustice.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15VszpZcuE/

https://headlinezambales.wordpress.com/2025/01/21/mindoro-town-eyes-100-renewable-energy-by-2030/

https://balikas.net/sablayan-town-declares-100-re-by-2030-signs-mou-with-pmcj/

https://www.philstar.com/business/2024/02/23/2335374/albay-eyes-100-percent-re-shift-2030

https://100percentrenewables.ph/albay-mou-signing/

https://businessweekmindanao.com/misor-pcij-to-tap-renewable-energy-opportunities/

https://mindanaogoldstardaily.com/archives/145436

https://mindanaogoldstardaily.com/archives/144476

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1676235962922048