NEW power projects with a combined capacity of 6,161 megawatts (MW) are expected to come on-stream between this year and 2020, latest data from the Department of Energy (DoE) showed.

Of the committed capacity, as tallied by the DoE as of Sept. 30, more than 60% or 4,001 MW will be in Luzon. Mindanao will have 1,688 MW and the rest will be in the Visayas at 472 MW. The new projects are recorded by the department as having a firm schedule of commercial operation date and have financial closing.

At least 73% of the capacity will be sourced from coal-fired power projects at 4,515 MW, with natural gas-fired power plants a distant second with an expected capacity of 1,100 MW or around 18%. Hydropower plants came out third with 201 MW followed by wind farms at 115 MW. Geothermal rounds out the top five power sources with 93 MW.

The upcoming power capacity comes as the DoE is finalizing the energy mix that could serve as the industry’s guidance for future projects.

Read more here.