DOE bares energy plans for Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) has outlined major energy-related strategic infrastructure projects that would address the poor power conditions in Mindanao.

DOE director Jesus T. Tamang said the government is looking at connecting Mindanao with the Visayas, which has excess power.

The Mindanao Critical Infrastructure Projects (MCIP) outlines pipeline projects, distribution pipelines, refueling and refilling stations for liquefied compressed natural gas (LCNG), and floating storage and re-gasification units.

Tamang said that the MCIP is designed to promote the use of natural gas beyond power, serve as major alternative fuel for transport especially public transport, and develop strategic infrastructure for receiving, storage, transmission and distribution.

The MCIPs will be completed as early as 2014 while others will be completed by 2017. Some of the projects are being considered pipeline projects to be included in the PPP while others would most likely require funding from overseas development agency (ODA).

Tamang admitted, however, that some of the projects are still in the early stages of development. “We are still doing feasibility studies and forming master plans.”

Two other means of meeting the power needs of Mindanao, is tapping excessive power sources from the Visayas, and speeding up the use of renewable energy.

The energy official said that the government has outlined the grid development map that would ultimately form the National Grid, or connecting the existing Luzon, Visayan and Mindanao Grids.

“It is still government hope for a national grid that will optimize capacities,” Tamang said.