DOE records showed that the seven projects have a total generating capacity of 190.08 megawatts (MW).
As of December 16, the DOE approved the projects of Energy Logics Philippines, Youil Renewable Energy, Enfinity Philippines Renewable Resources Inc., and PhilNewEnergy Inc.
Energy Logics’ project involves a 50-MW solar farm in Pasuquin, Burgos in Ilocos Norte, while Enfinity proposes to build 30 MW and 50 MW farms in Rosario, Cavite, and Mabalacat, Pampanga, respectively.
Youil’s project involves a 30-MW solar project in EB Magalona, Negros Occidental, while PhilNewEnergy involves the Darong solar- power project in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
The DOE added that it had earlier approved ATN Philippines Solar Energy Group Inc.’s 30-MW Rodriguez solar-power project in Rodriguez, Rizal, and J.S. Construction and Development Inc.’s 0.08-MW Taytay solar- power project in Taytay, Rizal.
Records show that ATN and J.S.’s projects have been approved as early as May 12 and June 30 last year, respectively.
At the launch of the National Renewable Energy Program in June last year, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said renewable energy currently accounts for 33.2 percent—or 5,438 MW—of the country’s total installed power-generating capacity, and 31.7 percent—or 4,413 MW—of the total dependable power-generating capacity.
According to the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Philippines has an abundance of renewable-energy resources with as high as 200,000 MW to 276,000 MW in potential capacity.
But Almendras said the figures still had to be validated.
“We are in a catch-up mode regarding renewable energy. The NREP should have been crafted right after the passage of the law in 2008. Nevertheless, we hope that the NREP will further enhance the country’s renewable-energy thrust as we face different issues on environmental and supply stability in terms of power, alongside the concerns of power users with power costs,” Almendras said.
He said this road map for the country’s emerging renewable-technology market was important for the country. He also said that the NREP is a plan, and like all plans that must be constantly reviewed and updated so it can adjust as new technologies develop.
As a living document, Almendras said the NREP will be regularly reviewed and updated, guided by our primary goal of providing clean and affordable energy sources to future generations of Filipinos.
The NREP, he added, incorporates a sectoral subprogram that includes the implementation of regulatory, administrative and support services; resource development that will involve renewable-energy resource-mapping and assessment, market studies, socioeconomic and environmental-impact studies, and studies on nonpower applications of renewable energy; research, development and demonstration projects; and renewable-energy technology support with the view to developing local capacities.
