MANILA, Philippines - The Congressional Commission on Science, Technology and Engineering (COMSTE), chaired by Senator Edgardo J. Angara, believes solar energy can be the solution to the Mindanao power crisis.

In a statement, Angara said harnessing solar power in Mindanao can complement existing coal-fired plants and is applicable even in off-grid areas. “Mindanao has the highest percentage of un-electrified barangays in the country. If we are able to apply solar energy effectively, the potential for sustainable, clean energy is enormous,” he said.

COMSTE Executive Director Dr. Gregory Tangonan said recent studies by the Manila Observatory have indicated that Mindanao will be drier in the years to come, lessening the effectiveness of renewable energy sources like hydropower, which is a major RE source in the region.

Angara said the government should look into alternative ways to develop power sources, specifically through Public Private Partnerships (PPP’s). He said that the Cagayan Electric Power and Light Co., Inc. (Cepalco), which already has a 1MW solar plant in Cagayan de Oro, is looking to expand their existing capacity to 4MW in two years.
 
“We should be able to take advantage of collaboration with the private sector and develop more energy projects that can take advantage of the Renewable Energy Act,” he said.

The Renewable Energy Act of 2008 exempts renewable energy sources from Value Added Tax (VAT), grants a 7-year income tax holiday, and prioritizes the purchase, grid connection and transmission of electricity generated by companies from renewable energy sources.
 
The Philippines, which is the world’s second largest producer of geothermal energy behind the US, is considered to have huge potential in terms of supplying renewable energy. The Philippine Energy Security Plan states that the country has the potential to average 5.0 -5.1 kWh/M²/day.