“Negros Occidental is not just participating in the energy transition, it is helping lead it. In many ways, it is already showing the country what a sustainable energy future can look like,” a Department of Energy (DOE) official said Thursday, May 7.
Ruby de Guzman, DOE Renewable Energy Management Bureau assistant director, who was the keynote speaker at the opening of the Negros Occidental Renewable Energy Expo 2026 Week at the SMX Convention Center Bacolod, said the province holds an estimated renewable energy potential of 14,277.7 megawatts.
She said its potential for wind is 12,396 megawatts, for solar – 1,787 megawatts, and for hydropower – 94.7 megawatts.
“These are not just numbers. They represent jobs for communities, investments for local economies, stronger energy security, and a cleaner future for the next generation,” she said.
De Guzman said Negros Occidental is proving that economic growth and environmental stewardship can move forward together.
The DOE commends Negros Occidental for its establishment of the Provincial Energy Development Council, which is a decisive step toward faster coordination, streamlined permitting, and stronger investor confidence, she said.
“It reflects proactive leadership and a clear commitment to making Negros Occidental a leading hub for renewable energy development in the country,” de Guzman added.
The Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) is focusing on expanding renewable energy, she said.
Today, renewable energy accounts for 25.4 percent of the Philippines’ power generation mix, she said. But to meet the government’s 35 percent target by 2030, an additional 9.6 percent must be achieved.
She said the PEP has defined six key energy transition strategies designed not only to support RE development but also “to reduce our carbon footprint, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and accelerate a sustainable and just energy transition.”
The six strategies are:
· Accelerating RE development;
· Building a smart and green grid;
· Building port infrastructure to support offshore wind power;
· Voluntary early decommissioning and/or repurposing of existing coal-fired power plants;
· Decarbonization of the transport sector through electric vehicles; and
· Mainstreaming energy efficiency and conservation.
As the country faces increasing energy demand and rising power costs, the Net-Metering Program has become an important mechanism in encouraging households and businesses to adopt renewable energy, particularly rooftop solar systems, de Guzman also said.
In this effort, Local Government Units play a critical role by streamlining permitting processes and promoting renewable energy adoption within their communities, she said.
Simplified and efficient local processes are essential in accelerating distributed renewable energy deployment, de Guzman said.*
[sibwp_form id=1]