The Department of Energy (DOE) of the Philippines has announced that by 2023, 4,164.92 megawatts (MW) of energy projects will be operational to improve the national energy infrastructure. To date, 161.20 MW of these committed projects are already in commercial operation, while 835.888 MW are in the testing and commissioning phase. These government-backed projects include a variety of sources, both renewable and conventional, from baseload (678.06 MW) to peaking power plants (2,164.92 MW).
Regional impact and commissioning schedule
The majority of this capacity, 4,030 MW, is concentrated in Luzon, with smaller contributions in the Visayas and Mindanao. The new capacities are expected to come on stream progressively throughout the year, with major commissionings scheduled for each quarter, culminating in 1,571,154 MW scheduled for the final quarter.
Flagship projects and solar capacities
Notable projects include the Mariveles coal-fired power plant (600 MW), whose first unit is already operational, and Excellent Energy Resources Inc.’s Batangas combined cycle power plant (1,320 MW), scheduled for the fourth quarter. In addition, 1,984,775 MW of new solar capacity is expected, with a significant contribution already in June 2024.
Grid stability and energy storage
In addition, at least 590 MW of battery energy storage systems will also come online this year, with 32.42 MW already operational. This additional capacity will enhance the reliability and stability of the grid, providing the necessary capacity to meet growing energy demand.
Rapidly increasing energy capacity in the Philippines is crucial to avoid supply shortages and interruptions, especially during periods of peak demand. This initiative is a key pillar for supporting economic growth and ensuring national energy resilience.
