Renewable Energy Resource Assessment for Agusan Del Norte, Caraga Region, Philippines

This study assessed the solar and biomass energy resources in Agusan del Norte, Caraga region, Philippines. Using r.sun in GRASS GIS, solar energy potential was calculated. Biomass potential and suitable sites for solar PV farms and biomass power plants were identified via Weighted Multi-Criteria Analysis in QGIS. The assessment used available data, including SRTM DEM, slope and aspect layers, Julian date, declination, and LandSAT biomass potential. The r.sun data showed clear seasonal irradiance patterns, with peak global horizontal irradiance (GHI) in June and the lowest in December. Magallanes had the highest annual mean GHI, followed by Butuan City. The province’s theoretical biomass potential was 47,762.35 MT residue/year, with Butuan City having the highest at 18,767 MT residue/year. Butuan was identified as the most suitable for solar PV farms, confirmed by a 10 MW solar project. It also has significant potential for biomass power from rice husks, evidenced by a 47 MW biomass power plant under construction. Future studies should explore additional data for improved accuracy.