Japan’s Kansai Electric invests in Prime Infra’s 600-MW Wawa pumped storage project

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July 30, 2026

The Department of Energy (DOE) has outlined a roadmap for restarting the fifth round of its Green Energy Auction Program (GEA-5) for offshore wind projects, with the auction tentatively scheduled for Dec. 1 after a review of infrastructure, permitting and supply chain issues that prompted its suspension earlier this month.

In GEA-5 Advisory No. 3, the DOE said the recalibration aims to ensure a more transparent, orderly and implementation-ready auction by aligning the program’s requirements and timelines with actual infrastructure readiness, regulatory requirements and prevailing project development conditions.

The agency suspended GEA-5 activities on July 4 under GEA-5 Advisory No. 2 to allow a review of key implementation issues together with government agencies and industry stakeholders. The review covers port readiness, environmental permitting, grid integration, port-related cost implications and potential global supply chain disruptions that could affect offshore wind projects.

“The recalibration is intended to ensure a more transparent, orderly, and implementation-ready auction process,” the DOE said.

Under the indicative timeline, the DOE and key agencies—including the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), National Transmission Corporation (TransCo), National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)—will coordinate and validate port, environmental and grid-readiness requirements through Sept. 2.

The validation will support the issuance of a Department Circular establishing the policy framework for the recalibrated auction, targeted for signing by Aug. 24 and publication in early September. A draft Supplemental Terms of Reference (TOR) will also undergo public consultation before its targeted release by Oct. 2.

Following the approval of the Supplemental TOR, the DOE will issue an updated GEA-5 schedule and resume auction activities. These include the posting of qualified bidders during the fourth quarter, with the auction proper indicatively scheduled for Dec. 1.

The DOE expects post-auction activities, including bid validation, issuance of Notices of Award, evaluation of documentary requirements and issuance of Certificates of Award, to run from Dec. 2 through June 30, 2027.

The agency stressed that all dates remain indicative and may change depending on the completion of inter-agency validation, legal review, approvals and publication requirements, as well as the outcome of ongoing consultations.

Until the Department Circular, Supplemental TOR and related issuances are finalized, the suspension of GEA-5 activities remains in effect.

The Green Energy Auction Program is the government’s competitive bidding mechanism for procuring new renewable energy capacity at predetermined installation targets.

The fifth auction round focuses on offshore wind, a technology seen as critical to expanding the Philippines’ renewable energy capacity but one that faces significant challenges, including the availability of suitable port infrastructure, transmission facilities, permitting processes, and specialized supply chains needed to support large-scale project development.

Japanese auto parts maker FCC taps Peak Energy for Laguna rooftop solar project

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July 29, 2026

FCC (Philippines) Corp., the local unit of Japanese automotive components manufacturer FCC Co., Ltd., has signed a 15-year agreement with renewable energy developer Peak Energy to install a 1-megawatt-peak (MWp) rooftop solar system at its manufacturing facility in Laguna, as more industrial companies turn to onsite renewable energy to reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions.

Under the agreement, Peak Energy will design, finance, construct, own, operate and maintain the solar installation, allowing FCC Philippines to purchase renewable electricity without making any upfront capital investment.

The rooftop solar system is expected to generate around 1,500 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity during its first year of operation, supplying power at a price approximately 30% lower than prevailing grid tariffs, the companies said. The installation is also projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 650 metric tons annually, equivalent to avoiding the consumption of nearly 252,000 liters of gasoline.

Commercial and industrial rooftop solar has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the Philippine renewable energy market as manufacturers seek to lower electricity costs, reduce exposure to volatile power prices, and meet sustainability commitments increasingly required by global customers and supply chains.

FCC, which has operated in the Philippines since 1993, manufactures integrated clutch systems for major global automotive and motorcycle brands. The company said the solar project supports the FCC Group’s target of reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

“This solar project represents an important milestone in FCC’s journey toward a more sustainable future,” said Tsuyoshi Nakada, president of FCC (Philippines) Corp. “As part of the FCC CO., LTD. Group’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, we continue to invest in initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint while strengthening the resilience of our operations.”

Peak Energy said the project reflects growing demand among industrial companies for lower-cost renewable electricity.

“Industrial buyers in the Philippines are increasingly looking for power that’s cheaper than the grid and shielded from imported fuel prices,” said Gavin Adda, chief executive officer of Peak Energy. “This project delivers both, at a 30% discount to grid tariffs.”

The project adds to Peak Energy’s portfolio of commercial and industrial renewable energy installations serving multinational manufacturers across Asia, including JTEKT in Japan, AICA in Thailand and Yokogawa in Singapore.

The Department of Energy aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s power generation mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040, with greater participation from the private sector expected to help meet those targets.

The FCC project reflects a broader trend among manufacturers operating in the Philippines to adopt onsite renewable energy through long-term power purchase agreements, enabling companies to lower operating costs while advancing corporate decarbonization goals and strengthening the sustainability of their global supply chains.

Vivant, Filinvest energy units sign 20-MW power supply deal

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July 27, 2026

Vivant Energy’s retail electricity supplier COREnergy has signed a two-year power supply agreement with Filinvest Group’s FDC Misamis Power Corp. for 20 megawatts (MW) of electricity, strengthening its supply portfolio as competition in the Philippine retail electricity market continues to expand.

Under the agreement, FDC Misamis will supply 20 MW of contracted capacity to COREnergy, enabling the Cebu-based retail electricity supplier to meet the growing energy requirements of contestable commercial and industrial customers nationwide under the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) program.

The partnership comes as more businesses shift to the retail electricity market, where qualified consumers can choose their electricity supplier instead of relying solely on their local distribution utility.

“This partnership with COREnergy allows us to extend the dependable power supply of FDC Misamis to more commercial and industrial customers through the retail electricity market,” Juan Eugenio Roxas, president and chief executive officer of FDC Misamis, said.

“The agreement reflects our shared commitment to forging strong industry partnerships and delivering reliable energy that supports business activity and economic growth,” he added.

Michael Lasam, head of commercial operations and strategy at COREnergy, said the agreement adds “meaningful capacity” to the company’s supply portfolio, allowing it to serve more businesses beyond Metro Manila with a stronger and more resilient electricity supply.

“Our customers are growing, and so is our responsibility to power that growth,” Lasam said. “It’s a step forward in delivering the Power of Choice—as more businesses, and soon more Filipinos, gain the freedom to choose their power supplier.”

The companies said the agreement highlights the growing role of partnerships between power generation companies and retail electricity suppliers in expanding customer choice while ensuring a dependable electricity supply.

FDC Misamis owns and operates Filinvest’s flagship 405-MW baseload power plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental. The facility has been contributing to the stability of the Mindanao grid since commencing commercial operations in 2016 and supplies electricity to distribution utilities and industrial customers across the Philippines.

The latest agreement adds to a series of supply arrangements in the country’s liberalized electricity market as retail electricity suppliers seek additional generation capacity to serve an expanding base of contestable customers amid growing power demand.

Philippines awards third natural hydrogen exploration block to Koloma

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July 27, 2026

Natural Hydrogen — Photo by Olga Deeva on Unsplash

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has awarded a third service contract to Koloma Inc. for the exploration of naturally occurring hydrogen in western Zambales, expanding the Philippines’ efforts to develop indigenous energy resources as the government seeks to strengthen long-term energy security and reduce dependence on imported fuels.

Service Contract (SC) No. 92 grants the U.S.-based company exclusive rights to explore for natural, or geologic, hydrogen in western Zambales under the Department of Energy’s (DOE) indigenous energy exploration program.

The latest award follows two service contracts granted to Koloma in October 2025 after the Philippines conducted what the DOE described as the world’s first competitive bid round dedicated to natural hydrogen exploration.

The three contracts now cover more than 4,100 square kilometers across Central Luzon and western Zambales, reinforcing the government’s strategy of evaluating emerging indigenous energy resources that could complement the country’s growing renewable energy capacity.

“Expanding our indigenous energy resources remains central to our pursuit of a secure, reliable, and sustainable energy future,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.

“The award of Service Contract No. 92 builds on the ongoing exploration activities in Central Luzon and reflects our commitment to responsibly evaluating the country’s natural hydrogen potential. Should commercially viable deposits be confirmed, natural hydrogen could become an important addition to the Philippines’ future energy mix, strengthening energy security, attracting investments, creating new economic opportunities, and providing a zero-emission fuel source for the power sector,” she added.

Natural hydrogen—also known as white or geologic hydrogen—is generated naturally beneath the Earth’s surface, unlike conventional hydrogen that is produced through industrial processes.

Because it does not require energy-intensive manufacturing, it is being studied globally as a potentially low-carbon and cost-competitive fuel if commercially recoverable deposits are discovered.

The DOE said geological studies have identified parts of Central Luzon and western Luzon as among the world’s most promising areas for naturally occurring hydrogen, positioning the Philippines among the countries exploring the emerging energy resource.

Koloma Chief Executive Officer Pete Johnson welcomed the award, saying the company remains committed to advancing exploration activities in partnership with the Philippine government.

“We are honored to deepen our partnership with the Government of the Philippines to pursue what could be a transformative opportunity for the country in terms of energy security and economic growth. We are grateful for the government’s vision and leadership in advancing natural hydrogen exploration,” Johnson said.

Koloma has begun two-dimensional seismic surveys under its first two Philippine service contracts and is deploying advanced geoscience techniques, proprietary data and exploration technologies to assess the country’s natural hydrogen potential.

The latest contract comes as the Marcos administration continues to accelerate the development of domestic energy resources to improve energy security while supporting the country’s energy transition.

Alongside record investments in solar, wind, battery energy storage systems and geothermal projects, the DOE has been pursuing frontier energy resources that could diversify the Philippines’ future energy mix.

The agency has identified indigenous energy development as a key pillar of its strategy to lessen the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels, which continue to expose consumers to volatile global fuel prices.

Officials have said commercially viable natural hydrogen resources, if confirmed, could provide a new source of zero-emission fuel for power generation and industrial applications.

The award also builds on the government’s earlier decision to open the country’s first natural hydrogen exploration areas through a competitive bidding process, making the Philippines one of the first countries globally to establish a regulatory framework for exploring the emerging resource.

The DOE said it will continue promoting responsible exploration and encouraging investments in innovative energy technologies as it works toward a more secure, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy future for the Philippines.

DOE energizes 3-MW solar project to strengthen power supply in Camarines Sur

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July 15, 2026

The Department of Energy (DOE) on Wednesday said a 3-megawatt-peak (MWp) solar power project supplying the Camarines Sur IV Electric Cooperative (CASURECO IV) has been energized, expanding renewable energy capacity and improving power reliability in Camarines Sur.

The ground-mounted solar facility, developed by Trademaster Renewable One Inc. under a Solar Energy Operating Contract awarded in July 2023, is connected directly to CASURECO IV’s distribution network in Tigaon, allowing electricity generated by the plant to be supplied to consumers within the cooperative’s franchise area.

Situated on a 2.42-hectare site, the project is expected to generate enough electricity to power around 1,900 households annually while reducing dependence on conventional generation and exposure to volatile imported fuel prices, according to the DOE.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the project demonstrates how renewable energy investments can improve local electricity systems while delivering direct benefits to host communities.

“The CASURECO IV Solar Power Project demonstrates how renewable energy investments can strengthen local power reliability while ensuring that host communities directly benefit from the responsible development of their own resources,” Garin said in a statement.

Under the Energy Regulation Program No. 1-94, host communities will receive ₱0.03 for every kilowatt-hour of electricity generated and sold. Of the amount, ₱0.025 per kWh will support livelihood, social development and environmental programs, while ₱0.005 per kWh will be allocated for rural electrification.

Local governments may also use part of the funds to help reduce electricity rates for consumers.

The project is also expected to create employment opportunities through the hiring of local workers and the procurement of goods and services from businesses in host communities.

The energization comes as the government accelerates renewable energy deployment to reduce the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and strengthen energy security.

Earlier this month, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inaugurated the first phase of the MTerra Solar Project in Nueva Ecija, billed as the world’s largest operational integrated solar-and-battery facility on a single site, saying it would help shield the Philippines from global energy price shocks.

The DOE has also been advancing renewable energy in off-grid areas.

Last week, the Energy Regulatory Commission said it was drafting rules that would prioritize renewable energy-powered distributed energy resources over diesel generation in missionary areas, a move aimed at lowering electricity costs and reducing dependence on imported diesel.

The government aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s power generation mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040 through the continued rollout of solar, wind, hydro and other clean energy projects.

Marcos says MTerra solar project to bolster Philippine energy security

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July 14, 2026

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday the MTerra Solar Project would help protect the Philippines from global energy shocks by reducing its reliance on imported fossil fuels and expanding the role of renewable energy in the country’s power mix.

Marcos made the remarks at the inauguration of the project’s first phase in Nueva Ecija, according to the Philippine News Agency.

He said the facility would strengthen the country’s long-term energy security as global fuel markets remain exposed to geopolitical conflicts, including tensions in the Middle East that have driven up oil prices.

Coal accounted for 57% of the Philippines’ electricity generation in 2025, while renewable energy contributed about 25%, Marcos said.

“Such an energy mix leaves us more vulnerable to fluctuations in global fuel prices and developments in the international market,” he said.

The project was developed by Terra Solar Philippines Inc., an affiliate of Meralco PowerGen Corp., in partnership with global infrastructure investor Actis.

It spans five municipalities in the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Bulacan.

The first phase has installed 1,373 megawatts of solar photovoltaic capacity and 825 MW of battery energy storage.

The Department of Energy earlier said the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines had cleared an initial 750 MW for testing and commissioning, allowing power from the facility to begin flowing into the Luzon grid.

Marcos said the first phase was 91% complete and expected to begin full commercial operations in August. The second phase is targeted for completion in 2027.

Once fully operational, the project will have up to 3,500 MW of solar capacity and 4,500 megawatt-hours of battery storage, enough to supply about 2.4 million households.

The facility is also expected to create more than 10,000 jobs, cut carbon emissions by about 4.3 million metric tons annually and generate nearly 23 billion pesos ($403 million) in economic benefits over the next decade, Marcos said.

The President said the project was part of broader efforts to modernise the country’s energy sector and attract more investment in renewable power.

The energy department awarded 605 renewable energy service contracts from July 2022 to May 2026, while installed battery storage capacity increased to 845 MW from 93 MW over the same period, he said.

The government has also launched a 10-year Green Energy Auction Program aimed at adding 25 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity from 2027.

DOE Launches Native Hydrogen Survey in Pangasinan

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July 14, 2026

The Department of Energy (DOE) has begun a seismic survey in Pangasinan to assess the country’s native hydrogen potential, marking a key step in efforts to develop a new indigenous low-carbon energy source that could support the country’s clean energy transition and strengthen long-term energy security.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin led the launch of the 132.6-line-kilometre two-dimensional (2D) seismic survey in Bugallon, Pangasinan on July 10.

The survey is being undertaken by Koloma Inc., operator of Service Contract (SC) No. 84, with the support of the provincial governments of Pangasinan and Zambales.

The seismic campaign will generate detailed images of underground rock formations to identify geological structures that may contain naturally occurring, or native, hydrogen.

The results will guide succeeding exploration activities and improve understanding of the area’s subsurface geology, the DOE said.

The survey follows an aerial gravity and magnetic (AGM) survey completed by Koloma from March to early June this year, covering 27,976.5 line kilometres across the contract area. Processing of the AGM data is ongoing.

Before the survey launch, Garin conducted an aerial inspection of the Los Fuegos Eternos natural gas seep area, where geological sampling carried out in May produced promising preliminary indications of hydrogen gas, according to the DOE.

The department said the initial findings warrant further studies and exploration.

Native hydrogen, also known as geologic or white hydrogen, occurs naturally beneath the Earth’s surface, unlike conventional hydrogen that is produced through industrial processes.

If commercially viable deposits are confirmed, the resource could provide the Philippines with an additional domestic source of clean energy while reducing dependence on imported fuels.

Interest in native hydrogen has accelerated globally in recent years as governments and energy companies explore new low-carbon energy sources.

Unlike green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable electricity through electrolysis, native hydrogen exists naturally underground and may offer a lower-cost alternative if recoverable in commercial quantities.

The DOE said the seismic survey forms part of its broader strategy to evaluate the country’s native hydrogen resources and diversify indigenous energy sources.

Koloma is also conducting exploration under the adjacent Service Contract No. 83, which covers portions of Zambales.

To support the emerging industry, the DOE has integrated native hydrogen into the country’s existing petroleum service contract system, establishing a regulatory framework intended to encourage private investment while maintaining government oversight.

Under the Philippine service contract regime, all technical, operational and financial risks associated with exploration are borne entirely by the contractor, meaning no direct government funds are used for native hydrogen exploration, development or production.

Garin thanked Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III, Bugallon Mayor William Dy and local government officials for supporting the project, saying close coordination with host communities is essential to the successful implementation of exploration activities.

The native hydrogen initiative adds to a series of measures by the DOE to broaden the country’s clean energy portfolio beyond solar, wind, hydro and geothermal.

In recent months, the agency has advanced policies promoting renewable energy deployment in off-grid areas, launched reforms to prioritize renewable energy-based distributed energy resources over diesel generation, strengthened accountability in the development of renewable energy projects, and expanded support for battery energy storage systems as part of efforts to improve grid reliability and accelerate the country’s energy transition.

The department has also continued to encourage investments in emerging energy technologies alongside conventional renewables as the Philippines works toward increasing the share of clean energy in its power generation mix while enhancing energy security through the development of indigenous resources.

If successful, the exploration programme could position the Philippines among a growing number of countries evaluating naturally occurring hydrogen as part of their long-term energy transition strategies.

Security Bank refinances 17.4-MW Hermosa solar project

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July 12, 2026

Security Bank Corp. has refinanced a 17.4-megawatt solar power project in Hermosa, Bataan, marking its first transaction with climate finance investors Climate Fund Managers and Norfund.

The bank acted as sole lender to Solana Solar Beta Inc., the developer of a solar facility supplying electricity to Peninsula Electric Cooperative Inc. under a 20-year power supply agreement.

The project is expected to generate about 35.5 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually and provide 10 MW of contracted capacity to PENELCO, according to Security Bank.

Solana Solar Beta is part of CN Green Roof Asia, a regional renewable energy platform developing rooftop and utility-scale solar projects across Southeast Asia.

Security Bank provided the refinancing facility, while Security Bank Capital Investment Corp. acted as arranger. The bank’s Trust and Asset Management Group served as facility agent and security trustee.

The loan agreement was signed on May 26, 2026, and the facility was disbursed on June 25.

The transaction is Security Bank’s first partnership with Climate Fund Managers, a blended climate finance investment manager, and Norfund, Norway’s development finance institution.

Security Bank Corporate Banking Group Head Yvonne Marcelo said the transaction would support additional renewable energy capacity in Bataan and expand the bank’s partnerships with international climate investors.

The solar plant is connected to PENELCO’s distribution system through an embedded connection, allowing electricity to be delivered directly within the cooperative’s service area.

PENELCO has peak demand of about 148 MW and supplies electricity to customers across several municipalities and barangays in Bataan.

Green Roof Asia is a joint venture between Climate Fund Managers’ EU-supported Climate Investor One Fund and Norfund.

The refinancing brings Security Bank’s renewable energy portfolio to 24 projects nationwide, representing a combined installed capacity of 4.30 gigawatts.

The bank said its wider sustainable finance portfolio had reached P116.95 billion in total disbursements as of May 2026.

The deal adds to a series of renewable energy investments reported in recent weeks, including financing for off-grid clean energy projects, new corporate renewable electricity supply agreements under the Green Energy Option Program, and regulatory reforms aimed at accelerating renewable energy deployment across the country.

ERC drafts rules to prioritize renewable energy in off-grid power systems

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July 10, 2026