Philippines’ Guiuan province rolls out RE plan and roadmap to tackle power gaps

Local officials map energy needs and assess solar wind and storage options for remote areas.

The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) launched a Renewable Energy (RE) Plan and Roadmap scoping workshop with the Municipality of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines from 14 to 17 April, under a memorandum of agreement with Eastern Visayas local chief executives.

The initiative supports efforts to institutionalise participatory local energy planning, develop local RE ordinances, and identify financing options for rooftop solar, island microgrids, and community-led RE projects, according to a press release.

The Guiuan local government unit’s technical working group attended sessions on RE policy, grid modernisation, energy planning, and off-grid systems for island communities.

Further sessions covered RE project structures, implementation cycles, and financing options, alongside case studies from other local governments, including Butuan City and Iloilo.

Participants reviewed Guiuan’s local energy baseline and identified RE opportunities, producing initial targets and project priorities to guide policy and investment planning.

The programme focused on energy access in off-grid communities, including Homonhon, Suluan, and Victory. Participants examined options including solar, wind, battery energy storage systems, and hybrid systems to reduce diesel use and improve supply reliability.

Arturo Tahup, ICSC Director for Community Resilience, said local governments play a central role in addressing energy challenges and shaping responses to current energy conditions.

Councillor Kinna Mae Kwan-Mabansag, speaking on behalf of Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan, said high electricity costs and power interruptions have affected fisheries, water distribution, investment, and economic activity in Guiuan.

She said a local energy plan will support project identification, policy development, and investment direction.

ICSC said the workshop forms part of a pilot programme, with similar RE planning activities planned for other local government units in Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and the Bicol Region.