Renewable Energy Seen As Long-Term Solution To Energy Shortage

In the midst of nationwide power outages, there is an evident need for a more robust power infrastructure. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sees the current challenges as an opportunity to explore renewable energy sources, in the hopes of providing a more stable power resource for Filipinos.

“(Renewable energy) is a crucial step for a country and a world grappling against climate change,” Marcos said in his speech during the signing of a Connection Agreement between the NGCP San Ignacio Energy Resources Development Corporation (SIERDC) for the Isabela Ground Mounted Solar Project (IGMSP).

He declared renewable energy as the “inevitable way forward,” adding: “Let us continue to pursue extraordinary opportunities like this to give ourselves and the next generations to come a fighting chance to succeed in reversing our exacerbating (climate problems).”

Sustainability Meets Reliability

Over the years, the reliability of renewable energy systems has increased with technological advancements and better grid management. Renewable energy is expected to be even more reliable in the years to come, as innovations continue to improve current systems. Transitioning to renewable energy is also essential for environmental sustainability and reducing dependence on finite resources.

Marcos took the opportunity as well to appeal to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to “work closely” with the government in meeting the Filipinos’ demand for more reliable energy.

“I urge the NGCP to work closely with the government to ensure our energy infrastructure remains secure, reliable, and capable of meeting our growing demands,” he said.

Bolstering The National Grid

The P18 billion IGMSP is projected to produce approximately 440 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually. This output can supply nearly two million households, and the project is expected to create around 4,000 construction jobs. Additionally, the IGMSP will bolster the national grid, advancing the Philippines towards a more resilient and renewable energy-secure future.

“Having more initiatives like this project will be a catalyst for our country’s positive transformation,” Marcos said while declaring the collaboration between NGCP and SIERDC as the key to achieving the country’s renewable energy targets.

He also expressed his gratitude to the French government and the French energy company TotalEnergies for their support of the IGMSP, emphasizing the significance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges.

The IGMSP will be situated on a 392-hectare industrial site across Barangays Cabannungan 2nd, Arusip, Bagong Silang, and Pilar in Ilagan City, Isabela. Construction will begin in the fourth quarter of 2024, with completion anticipated by the second quarter of 2026.

Source: NGCP told to work closely with gov’t to make power infra secure, reliable