Butuan City unveils energy development plan
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In its drive to become a smart, sustainable and livable city, the local government of Butuan unveiled the Butuan City Energy Development Plan (BEDP) 2023-2050 on August 14, here.
The BEDP serves as a roadmap and tool that will guide the city in transitioning to renewable energy and integrating sustainable power sources into its future development plans.
As the entry point to Northeastern Mindanao and the region’s hub for trading, processing, commercial and major service, Butuan City’s rapid economic growth entails higher energy demand and calls for sustainable alternative sources of energy.
As reported by the city government, in the year 2022, Butuan City consumed approximately 71 percent electricity from the Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANECO), while the remaining 29 percent was distributed and utilized by other municipalities.
Also, this high production of electricity produced 0.19 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contributing to climate change.
To address this challenge, the city government was motivated to explore alternative sources of energy such as solar energy with the highest potential capacity of 98.75 percent. This also will produce less carbon footprint and is more environment-friendly, serving as a clean, renewable, and sustainable energy source.
“Through the conduct of the Renewable Energy Resource Assessment, Butuan City was able to identify renewable energy zones for solar, biomass, and hydro,” said Engineer Iris Joy M. Canete-Galaura, acting city planning and development coordinator.
She emphasized that BEDP is also aligned with the government’s modernization program to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, mitigating climate change. “The plan also envisions the full transition of tricycles and public utility vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2050. Currently, the pilot testing is ongoing.”
“Serving as an inspiration under the BEDP, at the Butuan City Hall, it will implement strategies and recommendations that will lead to its potential estimated annual energy savings of P1.6 million such as recommendations on upgrading appliances to energy efficient models such as inverter air-conditioning units and LED lighting, installation of occupancy sensors, lighting sectionalization, and incorporating passive cooling, open, and shading design in buildings,” she added.
Engineer Canete-Galaura underscored that alongside its implementation is the continuous monitoring and evaluating of all the projects under BEDP.
Through the City Planning and Development Department (CPDD), the BEDP was developed with the support of the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and the government of Germany, alongside the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines and the University of the Philippines – Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute R&D Foundation, Inc., Department of Energy (DOE), Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), ANECO, Caraga State University (CSU), Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), and other partner stakeholders.
The Butuan City’s Energy Development Plan 2023-2025 signifies the local government’s steadfast commitment to pursue economic development while ensuring there is energy security, and environmental preservation in line with its vision of a smart eco-city. (MFC, PIA Caraga)
