Saturday, July 20, 2024

Shining a Green Light in Mindanao: The Future of Renewable Energy




COURTESY: https://www.pna.gov.ph
IMAGE CREDIT: Robinson NiƱal Jr.



Hey there, green energy enthusiasts! If you’re like me and get all jazzed up about renewable energy, then boy, do I have some electrifying news for you! Get ready to dive into how Mindanao, particularly Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Zamboanga City, is gearing up for a renewable revolution. Spoiler alert: we're talking about decarbonized hydrogen and green hydrogen power plants!


So, picture this: Mindanao’s been struggling with high power rates and frequent outages. It’s frustrating, right? Well, in swoops Hydrogen de France (HDF) S.A., the French knights in shining armor, to save the day. On a sunny Friday in Davao City, representatives from the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Zamboanga City, along with HDF Energy, signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC). This isn't just paperwork; it's a game-changer.

The MoC covers everything from information-sharing to stakeholder coordination and technical validation. In simpler terms, it’s laying the groundwork for some serious renewable energy projects. And guess what? The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno and Her Excellency Marie Fontanel, the French Ambassador to the Philippines, were there to witness the magic!


Alright, let’s geek out a bit. HDF is bringing two super cool technologies to the table: Renewstable and HYPower. Renewstable is all about creating a stable power supply from green hydrogen, while HYPower focuses on generating electricity on demand from decarbonized hydrogen. Yes, it’s as awesome as it sounds.

Mathieu Geze, the big cheese at HDF Energy Philippines Holdings Inc., mentioned that these projects would generate a stable 10-megawatt power supply for the chosen provinces and cities. And hold onto your hats because they’re aiming to complete these projects in just two years. That’s practically warp speed in the energy world!

Geze emphasized the importance of local government and electric cooperative agreements. Without land and these crucial agreements, the projects can’t take flight. But with an estimated total pipeline worth around USD1.5 billion for the Philippines, it’s clear HDF is all in.



Let's zoom into the local scene. Rise Faith Recabo, the provincial administrator for Surigao del Norte, couldn’t be happier. With sky-high power rates and electricity woes in places like Siargao Islands, this project is like a breath of fresh, renewable air. The anticipation is palpable.

Dr. Trisha Goloran, representing Agusan del Sur, echoed similar sentiments. The power struggles in Agusan del Sur mirror those of Surigao del Norte, making the project a ray of hope for residents. Lower power rates and more reliable electricity? Yes, please!

Over in Zamboanga City, Raul Regondola, the chairman and administrator of the Zamboanga Ecozone, is equally stoked. The city has been plagued with four to five power outages daily. Imagine the relief when HYPower steps in. Plus, the project promises job creation, which is always a win-win.



Now, let’s take a step back and look at the broader impact. MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno highlighted how this development aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision. The President has tasked all government agencies, including MinDA, to ensure that investors experience the ease of doing business in the Philippines. It’s all about fostering public-private partnerships that drive growth and sustainability.

Magno sees this as a significant accomplishment for the administration, and it’s easy to see why. Renewable energy projects like these not only address immediate power issues but also pave the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future for Mindanao and beyond.



So, what’s next on this renewable journey? With the MoC signed, the real work begins. HDF will dive into grid assessments and feasibility studies to ensure everything’s on track. Meanwhile, local governments and electric cooperatives will gear up to provide the necessary support.

It’s an exciting time for Mindanao, and if all goes well, we could see a ripple effect across other regions in the Philippines. The dream is a country powered by clean, renewable energy, and with projects like these, that dream is inching closer to reality.

In conclusion, keep your eyes peeled, folks. The renewable energy revolution is not just coming; it’s already knocking on Mindanao’s door. And who knows? Maybe the next time you flick a switch, it’ll be green hydrogen doing the work. 

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