The Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing to release the terms of reference (TOR) for the fourth round of the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) within this month. The TOR will outline the procedures for the auction, covering technical, financial, and commercial requirements for participating companies.
This round of the GEAP will include Integrated Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems (IRESS) for the first time. The IRESS component will focus on solar power plants that are integrated with battery energy storage systems. The DOE plans to conduct a dialogue session to gather feedback on the draft TOR from stakeholders before finalizing the auction process.
The GEAP is part of the country’s plan to increase its renewable energy capacity. The goal is to achieve a 35% share of renewable energy in the national power mix by 2030. The auctions aim to attract investments by offering a competitive platform for renewable energy developers.
In addition to the GEAP, various renewable energy projects are being developed across the Philippines. In Isabela, the Ilagan Solar Power Project has an installed capacity of 20 megawatts (MW) and contributes electricity to the Luzon grid. In Mindoro, a hybrid energy system combines a 3 MW solar plant with a 1.5 MW battery storage unit to provide power to off-grid communities.
Offshore wind energy is also being explored. The DOE has awarded service contracts for offshore wind projects in areas along Northern Luzon and the Visayas region, with ongoing studies to determine the feasibility of large-scale development.
Geothermal energy remains a part of the Philippines’ renewable energy mix. The Maibarara Geothermal Power Plant in Batangas has recently expanded, adding 12 MW of additional capacity. Hydropower projects are also in development, including the Upper Tabuk Hydroelectric Power Project in Kalinga, which is designed to produce 17 MW of renewable energy for local communities.
