SCUTTLEBUTT

RE makes difference

The Department of Energy has revved up the renewable energy (RE) thrust to full throttle, assuring investors of predictability and policy support.

Investors see the unqualified policy support as making a difference in the green energy field.

The RE shift, which the country leads in the region, was also the result of the unwavering guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The Third Green Energy Auction (GEA 3) has recently cleared up all doubts the Philippines would achieve at least, or even more, a 30-percent RE mix even before the target completion by the end of President Marcos’ term in 2028 or earlier.

The GEA 3 has unlocked, among others, a massive 6,677.2-megawatts (MW) of combined electricity generated from hydroelectric power projects and geothermal power plants to augment the nation’s electric grids.

A closer look at the GEA 3 participants would reveal a high interest in RE, which speaks volumes about the administration’s determination to elevate the green energy sector.

Winning bidders in the GEA-3 include major players in pumped-storage and hydroelectric development. Olympia Violago Water and Power Inc. was awarded the 600-MW Wawa Pumped-Storage Project in Rizal, while Ahunan Power Inc. secured the 1,400-MW Pakil Pumped-Storage Project in Pakil, Laguna.

Pan Pacific Renewable Power Philippines Corp. accepted awards for three hydroelectric projects in Apayao: the 150-MW Gened 1 and 150-MW Gened 2 impounding hydroelectric power plants, and the 2,000-MW Maton Pumped-Storage Hydropower Project. Meanwhile, Coheco Badeo Corporation confirmed acceptance of the 500-MW Kibungan Pumped-Storage Hydropower Project in Benguet.

San Roque Hydropower Inc., an affiliate of the San Miguel Group, received awards for three pumped-storage projects: the 800-MW San Roque Lower East and the 800-MW San Roque West facilities in Itogon, Benguet, and the 250-MW Aklan Pumped-Storage Project in Malay, Aklan.

Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and its affiliate, Bac-Man Geothermal Inc., were also among the winners, securing two geothermal projects: the 5.645-MW Bago Binary Geothermal Power Plant Unit 1 in Bago City, Negros Occidental, and the 21.573-MW Tanawon Geothermal Power Plant Unit 1 in Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.

With these bid awards accepted, a total capacity of 6,677.218 MW is expected to be delivered between 2025 and 2035.