Powering Up Mindanao: Alsons Power’s Electrifying Journey to Sustainable Growth

COURTESY: Alsons Power

Welcome to General Santos City, where the future of Mindanao's energy landscape is being redefined. At the heart of this transformation stands Alsons Power, a dynamic force in the power sector, committed to unlocking the region’s vast potential, fueling communities, and driving sustainable economic growth. Recently, at the 33rd Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) held at the KCC Convention Center, Antonio Miguel “Anton” Alcantara, CEO of Alsons Power, shared insights that are as electrifying as they are promising.

Alsons Power is not just another name in the energy sector; it’s a powerhouse driving Mindanao’s rapid development. As the power business unit of the Alcantara Group, which holds significant investments in energy, agriculture, and real estate, Alsons Power plays a crucial role in supporting the region's economic aspirations. The Department of Budget and Management is aiming for an economic growth rate of 6.5% to 7.5% by 2025, a target that underscores the rising demand for energy in the region.

Energy needs in Mindanao have been on the upswing, reflecting broader national trends. Data from the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) and the Department of Energy show that the Philippines reached a peak energy demand of 17,331 megawatts in 2023, surging to over 19,000 megawatts by April 2024. Mindanao echoed this trend, reaching a peak demand of 2,642 megawatts, marking an increase from the previous year. These rising figures highlight the growing power consumption driven by heightened economic activity and rising temperatures.

Addressing the potential energy shortages is a pressing concern. Assistant Secretary Romeo M. Montenegro, Deputy Executive Director of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), warned of future shortages if proactive measures aren’t taken. To combat this, strategic investments and timely coordination are essential to avoid the dreaded rotating brownouts of the past.

Alsons Power is stepping up to the challenge by expanding and diversifying its energy portfolio. The company is committed to developing new power plants with a strong focus on renewable energy while optimizing existing conventional power assets. With over 460 megawatts of capacity already serving more than eight million people across Mindanao, Alsons Power is poised to meet the region’s growing demands.

Renewable energy is more than a buzzword; it’s the cornerstone of Alsons Power’s strategy. The company is actively building its renewable energy portfolio with various hydro and solar projects at different stages of development. These initiatives aim to contribute to the Philippines’ goal of achieving a 35% renewable energy share by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

Alsons Power recently marked a milestone with the completion of the 14.5-megawatt run-of-river Siguil Hydro Power Plant in Maasim, Sarangani Province. This plant, with an estimated annual output of around 95,000 MWh, is capable of powering over 40,000 households. It’s a shining example of the company’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Additionally, Alsons Power is advancing other renewable projects like the Sindangan Zambo-River Power Plant, which has a potential capacity of 8.8 megawatts for hydropower and 29 megawatts for solar power.

Alsons Power’s commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable energy extends beyond Mindanao. The company recently secured its first retail electricity supply agreement with Holcim Philippines, which will supply 80% of the energy needs for Holcim’s facilities in Davao and Lugait, Misamis Oriental. This agreement highlights Alsons Power’s role in providing the stable energy needed to attract investments, not just within Mindanao, but across the Philippines.

Alsons Power is also pivotal in attracting large-scale industrial projects, such as the multi-billion-dollar Panhua Integrated Steel Plant in the Kamanga Agro-Industrial Ecozone (KAIEZ) in Maasim, Sarangani. This flagship venture, set for completion by 2026, underscores the company’s role in driving economic progress while safeguarding natural resources.

In conclusion, Alsons Power is more than just an energy provider; it’s a catalyst for change in Mindanao, fostering economic growth, and championing environmental stewardship. As the region continues to evolve, Alsons Power remains steadfast in its mission to power Mindanao’s future, ensuring that the lights shine bright for generations to come.

Bridging Power and Progress: Alsons Power's Strategic Move at the SOCSKSARGEN Power Summit

CREDIT: Siguil Hydro Power Corporation

In the dynamic landscape of energy and power in the Philippines, the recent SOCSKSARGEN Power Summit emerges as a beacon of innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. The summit, a concerted effort by the Regional Development Council (RDC) XII, Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA), and National Economic and Development Administration (NEDA) XII, hosted in General Santos City, has set a new precedent in the energy sector's strategic planning and development initiatives. Among the distinguished participants, Alsons Power Group's engagement stands out as a pivotal moment, underscoring the company's integral role in shaping Mindanao's energy future.

At the heart of the SOCSKSARGEN Power Summit was the goal of addressing the myriad power-related challenges facing the South Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat-Sarangani Province-General Santos City (SOCSKSARGEN) development cluster. The summit facilitated a rich dialogue among stakeholders, including power providers like Alsons Power Group, distributors, electric cooperatives, regulators, and local government units. This collaborative environment was particularly conducive to examining and strategizing over the pressing issues of energy resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity in the region's growth plans.

Alsons Power Group's participation was not just a matter of attendance but a profound commitment to the region's energy agenda. With a robust portfolio of three power facilities totaling 413 Megawatts (MW), Alsons Power serves over eight million people across 14 cities and 11 provinces in Mindanao. Their active engagement in the summit is a testament to their dedication to meeting the rising power demands and contributing to the overarching vision outlined in the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023-2028 and the Mindanao Energy Plan 2040.

The summit arrived at a critical juncture, with Mindanao and the wider Philippines grappling with the adverse effects of an unprecedented heatwave on the power supply. Yet, the proactive stance of Alsons Power, alongside other stakeholders, offers a silver lining. Energy Secretary Rafael Lotilla's assurance of the government's active collaboration with the power sector to enhance electricity reliability, availability, and stability, particularly during increased temperatures, reflects a shared resolve to overcome these challenges.

Alsons Power Group has not only acknowledged the current vulnerabilities in the power infrastructure but has also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to ensuring the dependability of its power supply. Their efforts to minimize the environmental impact of their operations, coupled with the strategic aim to shift towards a renewable to non-renewable capacity ratio of approximately 60:40, underscore a forward-looking approach to energy production.

A significant highlight of Alsons Power Group's future plans is the commencement of commercial operations of the Siguil Hydro Power Corporation's 14.5-Megawatt (MW) hydroelectric station within the year. This initiative is not just a milestone for the group but a leap towards achieving the Philippines' renewable energy targets of 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040 in the national power generation mix.

The group's ambition to deploy around 200 MW of hydroelectric power and 400 MW of solar energy across Mindanao and select areas of Visayas is a bold stride towards a sustainable energy future. These endeavors align perfectly with the summit's actionable strategies aimed at driving sustainable development, enhancing energy resilience, and promoting inclusive growth within the SOCSKSARGEN region and beyond.

The SOCSKSARGEN Power Summit has laid down a framework for a collaborative and sustainable approach to addressing the region's energy challenges. Alsons Power Group's active participation and commitment to this vision highlight their role not just as a power provider but as a key player in the socio-economic development of Mindanao. Their efforts to balance the scales between renewable and non-renewable energy sources, while ensuring the reliability and affordability of power, are commendable steps towards a resilient and sustainable energy future for the Philippines.

As we reflect on the outcomes of the SOCSKSARGEN Power Summit, it's clear that the path to a sustainable and resilient energy future is paved with collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to development goals. Alsons Power Group's pivotal role in this journey, marked by their strategic initiatives and future plans, not only aligns with the national vision for renewable energy but also sets a benchmark for responsible and sustainable power generation. The summit has indeed been a catalyst for change, propelling Mindanao and the Philippines towards an empowered tomorrow.