TITLE: Less than 45% of households in BARMM have access to power

AUTHOR: Balitang Mindanao

DATE PUBLISHED: June 17, 2024

KEY INFO: This article highlights the ongoing issue of energy distribution in Mindanao with less than 45% of households in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) having access to electricity. This highlights the significant issue of insufficient energy access in rural areas in the region, where many communities remain without reliable power sources.

TITLE: Mindanao’s energy mix: 69% from non-renewable sources 

AUTHOR: Antonio L. Colina IV

DATE PUBLISHED: October 16, 2022

KEY INFO: The article highlights Mindanao's energy mix is heavily skewed towards non-renewable sources, with a reported 69% coming from fossil fuels, leading to inefficiencies due to environmental impact and high costs, causing affordability to be an issue. These practices make the region vulnerable to fluctuations in international fossil fuel prices and prevent Mindanao from achieving self-sufficiency, as local energy is not being used optimally.

TITLE: Mindanao business leaders express concern on alternative power sources

AUTHOR: Power Philippine News

DATE PUBLISHED: October 18, 2024

KEY INFO: The article discusses the pressing concerns of Mindanao business leaders Mindanao Development Authority, warning of potential power shortages between 2027 and 2028, highlighting that current power reserves will dwindle unless new power sources are added to accommodate rising demand. Energy demand is expected to grow by 5% to 7% each year, which means an extra 100 MW of power is needed, indicating that current energy infrastructure may not be able to meet future needs efficiently.

TITLE: Mindanao Clean Energy Forum pushes more clean and renewable power

AUTHOR: Ben Cyrus G. Ellorin

DATE PUBLISHED: September 12, 2024

KEY INFO: This poster advocates for clean and reliable energy in Mindanao, led by the MINDANAO REACH. A response to rising energy demand and the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels like coal, highlighting the need for more efficient and sustainable practices, with the use of renewable energy.

TITLE: A long road for renewable energy in Mindanao

AUTHOR: Reuel John F. Lumawag

DATE PUBLISHED: Oct 25, 2021

KEY INFO: The article states that the country, including the region of Mindanao, is heavily reliant on non-renewable energy. Mindanao faces ongoing challenges, including transitioning to renewable energy despite its potential benefits and the inefficiency of relying on non-renewable energy sources such as coal and diesel, which continue to dominate the region.

TITLE: One Mindanao: Problema sa Power Supply

AUTHOR: GMA Regional TV

DATE PUBLISHED: September 1, 2021

KEY INFO: The news segment highlights recurring power interruptions and brownouts in Samal Island, which points to a larger problem of insufficient energy supply in Mindanao, which is not adequately distributed to meet the needs of these regions. This results in unequal access to affordable energy, with rural communities like those on Samal disproportionately affected by power shortages.

TITLE: Resistance to the Coal Industry’s Impact on Mindanao’s Ecology

AUTHOR: Karl Gaspar

DATE PUBLISHED: November 28, 2021

KEY INFO: The paper discusses Mindanao’s reliance on coal and non-renewable energy and highlights inefficiencies in resource use and energy production. Coal mining in Misamis Oriental and South Cotabato causes environmental damage and health issues, straining resources and lowering productivity, while coal-fired power plants waste energy and emit high levels of pollutants, making them an unsustainable and inefficient energy solution.

TITLE: Mindanao Energy Plan 2018-2040

AUTHOR: Department of Energy (DOE)

DATE PUBLISHED: January 4, 2019

KEY INFO: The Mindanao Energy Plan 2018-2040 highlights the region’s reliance on coal and oil, pointing out the inefficiencies in its current energy system and emphasizing the need to shift to renewable energy to provide a stable, affordable, and sustainable supply, especially in rural areas with unequal access. The plan calls for diversifying energy sources and improving efficiency to tackle these issues.

TITLE: A Long Road for Renewable Energy in Mindanao

AUTHOR: Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS)

DATE PUBLISHED: Oct 24, 2021

KEY INFO: The report shows that Mindanao heavily relies on non-renewable energy, with coal-fired power plants making up 51% of its capacity and generating 62% of its power, hydroelectric plants accounting for 26% of capacity and 18% of power generation, oil-based plants provide 17% of capacity, while renewable sources like geothermal, solar, and biomass contribute very little. The fact that renewable sources contribute very little shows missed opportunities to shift towards more sustainable and reliable energy solutions, leaving the region vulnerable to inefficiencies.

TITLE: ELECTRICITY CRISIS IN THE PHILIPPINES

AUTHOR: Roger&Ismi Vlogs

DATE PUBLISHED: November 4, 2021

KEY INFO: The couple in the vlog discusses the Philippines' unreliable energy system, highlighting frequent and long-lasting power outages that make it inefficient and pointing out the challenges faced in remote rural areas energy situation, with little to no access to electricity, highlighting the lack of availability of the current energy infrastructure. This issue is particularly relevant to Mindanao, where the energy supply is less stable compared to other regions in the Philippines

TITLE: ECCP holds conversation on Mindanao power situation

AUTHOR: Matthias Gelber

DATE PUBLISHED: April 08, 2022

KEY INFO: The ECCP discussed Mindanao's power situation, highlighting concerns over the inefficiencies of current energy practices, which leave the region vulnerable to rising costs driven by global market fluctuations, such as those caused by the Russian-Ukraine war. It was emphasized that transitioning to renewable energy could provide more stable, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for Mindanao's energy needs.

TITLE: The Philippines faces challenges in push for renewable energy

AUTHOR: CNA

DATE PUBLISHED: July 3, 2023

KEY INFO: The Philippines' ongoing energy challenges, particularly its heavy reliance on coal, significantly contributes to the country's high electricity costs – some of the highest in Southeast Asia. Despite growing support for renewable energy, inefficiencies in non-renewable power generation and distribution issues remain, with many areas still without access to electricity evidenced by the fact that 188 towns remained off grid as of 2021. A problem affecting communities and local businesses as the country still struggles to shift to renewable energy.

TITLE: The Department of Energy together with MENRE of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao assist in the development of renewable energy.

AUTHOR: Department of Energy Philippines

DATE PUBLISHED: November 27, 2024

KEY INFO: The Facebook post, highlights the partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) which have signed an agreement to assist in the development of cleaner energy within rural areas, particularly in BARMM. Aiming to bridge the energy access gap and reduce the negative impact of non-renewable energy practices in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Mindanao, ensuring a more equitable energy distribution across the region.

TITLE: Philippines: Poor Families in Remote Areas to Benefit from Renewable Energy Grants

AUTHOR: World Bank Group

DATE PUBLISHED: August 23, 2016

KEY INFO: The Access to Sustainable Energy Project grant agreement signed by the LGU Guarantee Corporation and the World Bank made access to off-grid electrification affordable to the poor in remote and rural areas of the Philippines with the use of solar energy. Particularly focused on the communities of Mindanao where poverty is high and over a quarter of the population live without access to electricity.

TITLE: Illac Diaz on 'Liter of Light', renewable energy | The Howie Severino Podcast

AUTHOR: GMA Integrated News

DATE PUBLISHED: Sept. 25, 2022

KEY INFO: The podcast's discussion on energy challenges in the Philippines closely reflects the situation in Mindanao, where many rural areas lack affordable, reliable electricity due to limited grid extension access. Illac Diaz's Litter of Light initiative offers a practical solution with solar microgrids and off-grid renewable technologies, intending to help underserved remote communities. By using local materials and promoting sustainable energy access, this approach addresses energy needs and fosters community empowerment and livelihoods.

TITLE: Transforming Lives Through Renewable Energy

AUTHOR: Department of Energy (DOE)

DATE PUBLISHED: Nov. 17, 2023

KEY INFO: The video sheds light on how many Filipinos in the remote areas of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, lack access to reliable and sufficient electricity, largely due to ineffective energy practices prevalent in these regions, hindering their development. The Dreams Project, supported by the Department of Energy, aims to address this critical issue by integrating affordable renewable energy projects, into local development plans, improving access, and fostering sustainability in these underserved areas.