President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing renewable energy in the Philippines, assuring continued efforts to attract more investments in the said sector and streamline project implementation in the country.
In his speech during the Energization of the Citicore Solar Batangas 1 Power Plants in Tuy, Batangas, the President highlighted the government’s ongoing initiatives to create a more inclusive environment for clean energy development.
“Habang ang Citicore at iba pang investors ay patuloy na nagtatayo ng mga pasilidad gaya nito, gumagawa naman ang pamahalaan ng mga hakbang upang isulong at palawakin ang renewable energy sa bansa,” the President said.
Among these initiatives are the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop and green lanes, which expedite the approvals of projects of national significance, such as renewable energy.
“Sa katunayan, ang ilang proyekto ng Citicore, tulad nito (Solar Batangas 1 Power Plants) ay dumaan sa green lanes, na makakapagpabilis sa pagtupad ng mga ganitong proyekto,” the President recalled.
The Citicore Solar Batangas 1 Power Plant is a hybrid solar and battery facility that will produce up to 197 megawatts of renewable energy, and is expected to power approximately 158,000 households.
The project spans two barangays in Tuy, Batangas, including Lumbangan and Luntal.
The President also assured that the Department of Energy (DOE) will continue to implement measures that will drive renewable energy investments and expedite its approval.
“Kasabay nito, ang Department of Energy at iba pang ahensya ng pamahalaan, ang NGCP ay patuloy na nagkakaisa upang masiguro na may sapat na transmission line at imprastraktura upang maihatid ang kuryente sa ating tahanan, paaralan, at mga negosyo,” the President further said.
“Makakatiyak kayo na ang inyong pamahalaan ay patuloy na maghahanap ng mga paraan upang makabuo ng mas malinis na enerhiya na magbibigay liwanag sa ating Bagong Pilipinas,” the President added.
President Marcos likewise urged local government leaders to strengthen partnerships with clean energy investors, particularly in agro-solar projects that support both food and energy security. (PND)
