Several renewable energy (RE) projects, totaling more than 1,000 megawatts, are being proposed across Negros Occidental in the next 15 years, data from the Department of Energy (DOE) showed.

Those were among the developments discussed during the Negros Island Power Forum organized by the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) at the L’ Fisher Hotel here on Wednesday.

In his presentation, Engr. Jose Rey Maleza, chief of DOE-Visayas Energy Industry Management Division, said that Negros Island has a total of 155.6 megawatts (MW) committed power projects and 1,231.7 MW indicative power projects.

“Committed projects ready for implementation or already being implemented while indicative projects are those in the planning stage,” he added.

Committed projects include biomass in Victorias City, geothermal in Bago City, solar in Silay City, and battery energy storage in Murcia and San Carlos City.

Indicative projects are solar in the cities of Victorias, Bacolod, Cadiz, Silay, and Calatrava town, wind in Pulupandan, hydro in Sagay City, and battery energy storage in Cadiz.

“(These are) the incoming projects here in Negros. Please take note that all are RE,” Maleza said.

“The indicative projects of 1,000 MW additional RE in Negros is still until 2040. I think it’s the time for the new lines from Mindoro going to Panay will come in to support another door (for supply access),” he added.

Based on the sub-grid power demand and supply snapshot, Negros has a total installed capacity of 910 MW but has only 692 MW of dependable capacity.

“Under the generation mix, 99.1 percent of power plants in Negros generate RE. Basically, all REs are in Negros,” Maleza said.

MBCCI vice president for government affairs Frank Carbon said the forum discussed the electric power situation and how to ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply in Negros Island.

He added that the plan is to create the Negros Island Power Development Coordinating Council. (PNA)