Can renewable energy projects finally solve the decades-long problem of lack of electricity resources and high costs of electricity in Eastern Visayas?
Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla is now banking on his province becoming a major hub for renewable energy in the Philippines with the 240-megawatt San Isidro Solar Plant in San Isidro town expected to start operation this year.
Upon completion, the San Isidro Solar Power Project will be among the largest solar farms in the Visayas which sits over a 200 hectares property.
Developed by Total Power Inc., the project aims to contribute significantly to the Philippines’ renewable energy targets.
The facility will connect to the Visayas grid via a dedicated transmission line, with an estimated connection cost of P1.65 billion.
Petilla, who also served as Energy Secretary during the term of the late President Benigno Aquino III, said hosting a number of renewable energy plants in the province ensures a steady power supply especially during disasters when power supply lines from other regions are cut off, power can then be sourced locally.
“This is a good thing because this means we have a central power source. And solar power will prove to be an advantage during summer season when it stores the most solar power; at which time coal-fired power generation can face drawbacks due to overheating,” the governor added.
Most electric cooperatives in Leyte province get their power supply from Luzon or Mindanao. The power source uses coal fuel from abroad.
A reliable power supply is also seen to attract more investors for a diverse range of investments to the province.
Leyte is emerging as a renewable energy capital in the Philippines due to its rich natural resources and increasing investments in green energy projects.
Leyte is home to one of the largest geothermal power plants in the world, located in Tongonan, Ormoc City and Kananga.
The Leyte Geothermal Power Complex, operated by Energy Development Corporation (EDC), produces over 700 megawatts (MW), supplying electricity to the Visayas and parts of Luzon and Mindanao.
Another solar farm is the 50-megawatt solar power plant sitting on a 72-hectare site at Barangay Castilla in Palo town operated by the Sulu Electric Power and Light (Philippines) Corp. (SEPALCO).
The Leyte Provincial Government Complex, also located in Palo town, has been powered by a P70-million solar power project since 2023 after they transferred the provincial seat to the complex.
(With report from PIA)
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