In April 2024 alone, the Luzon grid endured numerous red and yellow alerts in a span of two weeks , stark indicators of a challenging supply situation which was exacerbated by the scorching temperatures of El Niño. This underscores the urgent need for dependable power sources.
According to MVP, “What this country needs, where there is a very thin margin of supply to demand, are very conventional power plants, probably gas, more than coal.” The intermittent nature of renewable sources underscores the continuing need for baseload power sources to ensure grid stability. Additionally, the infrastructure required to harness and distribute renewable energy is still evolving, which makes its integration into the existing energy grid still a challenge.
MVP emphasized that private sector investments in this context should not be stifled; instead, they should be encouraged, as the benefits outweigh the risks for the government. As the Philippines faces the challenges of rising energy demand while also considering environmental issues, policymakers must prioritize recalibrating our energy strategies. Dependable conventional power is vital for stability now and for building a resilient and sustainable energy future.