The Butuan City government has released the Butuan City Energy Development Plan (BEDP) 2023-2050 as part of its initiative to become a smart and sustainable city in the Philippines. The roadmap outlines the transition to renewable energy sources to meet rising electricity demand from the city’s economic growth as a major hub in Northeastern Mindanao. It also sets targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions through cleaner energy use.
As reported by the city government, in 2022, about 71 per cent of the electricity consumed in Butuan was supplied by the Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative (ANECO), while the remaining 29 per cent was distributed to other municipalities. This consumption generated nearly 0.19 metric tonnes of carbon equivalent emissions. The BEDP identifies solar energy as the most viable renewable source with a potential capacity of around 98.75 per cent, alongside opportunities in biomass and hydro resources.
The BEDP has been prepared with assistance from international and national institutions like International Climate Initiative (IKI), the Government of Germany, WWF Philippines, the University of the Philippines, DOE, MinDA, NGCP. Additionally, the projects under the plan will be subject to regular monitoring and evaluation to track progress and ensure targets are achieved.
