The Philippines’ resort island of Mindoro has plans to become the country’s clean energy capital, but may have a rocky start as it faces power shortages over the next two years.
Local power company Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (OMEC) has identifed more than 35 sources for hydropower projects that can collectively provide about 160 megawatts (MW) of power, compared to the current capacity of just over 28 MW. OMEC plans to sell electricity to the Luzon grid.
Another 48 MW in power capacty will come from wind energy, thanks to a new project started this month in the mountain village of Baclayan. Wind Energy Power Systems, a P6-billion joint venture of Philippine Hybrid Energy Systems and Italian power firm CMC Asia - with involvement from Spanish wind company Gamesa - broke ground on the project on 7 September and the initial phase should be completed in 2015.
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