By Tracy Cabrera
DILIMAN, Quezon City — While the government is keen on promoting the use of renewable energy as a means of lessening dependence on fossil fuels, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is working with the Department of Energy (DoE) to set boundaries on which lands could be used for solar energy projects to preserve those used for food production.
In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has proposed geofencing around 3 million hectares of flat agricultural land to protect vital farmlands as the country accelerates its transition to renewable energy.
Targeted specifically are areas primarily used for rice cultivation and other prime farm produce such as sugar and maize.
The decision to designate specific land as farmland or solar project sites stemmed from recent discussions with Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, who gave recommendations on how to expand solar energy capacity without taking over farmlands needed for food production.
Under the proposal, the DA will create a digital map and establish geographical boundaries around priority agricultural areas. This will provide energy developers with a clearer guide as to where projects should not be built while also helping to identify locations suitable for renewable energy investments without compromising food production.
“We need energy security, but it cannot come at the cost of food security,” Tiu Laurel pointed out.
“The country must be able to keep the lights on without putting at risk the lands that keep food on Filipino tables,” he continued.
“We will identify between 1,000 and 2,000 priority agricultural areas and cross-check these against existing and awarded energy projects to prevent conflicts and overlaps,” he added.
The agriculture chief also cited that he has asked the DoE to provide a list of ongoing and awarded projects so regional agriculture officials can distinguish approved developments from proposals still under evaluation.
“We are pushing for the renewable energy transition to deliver direct benefits to farmers and fisherfolk, particularly through lower electricity costs,” he likewise noted.
Possible mechanisms are currently being discussed to establish ways that would connect renewable energy suppliers and qualified agriculture stakeholders under the Green Energy Auction and Green Energy Option (GEO) programs and the Retail Competition and Open Access framework.
Tiu Laurel listed potential beneficiaries that include irrigation systems, post-harvest facilities, rice mills, cold storage plants, slaughterhouses, farms, fishponds, and other food production operations where electricity costs can significantly affect production expenses.
DoE officials are presently examining how renewable energy suppliers and distribution utilities could participate in the proposed arrangement.
Likewise, both agencies are also discussing with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) whether savings under the GEO—a program that allows qualified energy users to source electricity from renewable energy suppliers—could eventually be reflected in power rates for agricultural stakeholders.
In the meantime, Agriculture Undersecretary Roger Navarro and Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevarra have been tasked with developing a farm-to-energy framework with the ERC to explore ways organized farmers and fisherfolk can benefit from renewable energy.
“The framework will help proponents under the agricultural energy category lower electricity costs, generate savings, and strengthen incomes across the sector,” Navarro shared.
ia/xf
