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Renewables account for 84% of Philippines’ 26.8-GW committed power pipeline

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MW Mosqueda
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Renewable energy projects account for more than four-fifths of the Philippines’ committed power generation pipeline, according to Department of Energy (DOE) data as of May 2026.

The DOE’s Annual Summary of Target Commercial Operation showed the country has 26,842 megawatts (MW) of committed power projects with target commercial operation dates through 2031 and beyond, including projects with schedules still to be determined.

Of the total, renewable energy projects account for 22,593 MW, or 84.17%, while non-renewable projects represent 4,250 MW, or 15.83%.

Solar projects dominate the committed pipeline with 16,337 MW, equivalent to 60.86% of total capacity. Wind projects follow with 5,377 MW, or 20.03%. Hydropower accounts for 834 MW, while biomass and geothermal projects contribute 39 MW and 6 MW, respectively.

The non-renewable pipeline consists mainly of coal projects at 3,074 MW and natural gas projects at 1,100 MW. Oil-fired projects account for 76 MW.

The DOE data also showed 2,979 MW of committed energy storage projects. These include 1,854 MW of standalone battery energy storage systems and 1,125 MW of integrated renewable energy and energy storage systems.

Luzon accounts for the bulk of the country’s committed power projects, with 21,325 MW in the pipeline. This includes 17,714 MW of renewable energy projects and 3,611 MW of non-renewable capacity.

In the Visayas, committed power projects total 4,193 MW, led by 3,881 MW of renewable energy capacity. Mindanao has 1,324 MW of committed power projects, including 998 MW from renewable energy sources.

For 2026 alone, 8,764 MW of committed power projects are targeted to start commercial operation, including 7,997 MW of renewable energy projects. Solar accounts for the largest share of the 2026 pipeline at 6,671 MW, followed by wind at 1,199 MW.

The figures show solar, wind and energy storage projects making up the majority of the country’s committed capacity additions as the Philippines works to expand supply and support its energy transition goals.

Philippines pushes ASEAN power grid as key to renewable energy integration

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MW Mosqueda
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ASEAN energy officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional energy security and accelerating cross-border power connectivity, with the Philippines highlighting the role of regional grid integration in supporting wider renewable energy deployment across Southeast Asia.

The 44th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) and its associated meetings, held from June 15 to 18, brought together energy leaders from ASEAN member states, dialogue partners, and regional institutions to review progress on initiatives aimed at ensuring reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supplies.

Among the key issues discussed was the continued development of the Enhanced ASEAN Power Grid, a regional initiative designed to improve electricity interconnection, support cross-border power trade, and help integrate renewable energy resources across ASEAN power systems.

The ASEAN Power Grid aims to connect electricity networks across Southeast Asia, allowing member states to trade power and improve system reliability.

The initiative is also seen as a key enabler for renewable energy integration by allowing countries to share surplus electricity generated from sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower.

Officials also reviewed the implementation of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security, which seeks to strengthen emergency preparedness and safeguard energy supplies during disruptions.

Department of Energy Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella, who chaired the meetings in his capacity as ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Energy chair, said closer cooperation would be critical as ASEAN economies face rising energy demand and external supply risks.

“As ASEAN’s demand for energy continues to grow and external risks evolve, we must work together to strengthen resilience, diversify supply, accelerate interconnection, and deepen partnerships that will secure our common energy future,” Fuentebella said.

The discussions come as Southeast Asian economies seek to balance growing power requirements with efforts to accelerate the energy transition.

Greater regional interconnection is expected to help improve grid reliability, reduce supply risks, and support the wider use of renewable energy in the region.

Officials also assessed progress on ASEAN’s broader energy cooperation agenda, emphasizing the need to translate regional commitments into concrete actions through timely implementation of national and regional programs.

The Philippines, which serves as ASEAN Chair for Energy Cooperation in 2026, reported that all eight of its Energy Sector Annual Priorities, as well as its Priority Economic Deliverable for the energy sector, remain on track.

Fuentebella said ASEAN’s energy transition must proceed in a way that supports economic growth while maintaining affordability and supply security.

“Energy security remains a fundamental pillar of ASEAN’s economic resilience and competitiveness. Our collective efforts must continue to focus on practical, implementation-oriented cooperation that delivers tangible benefits to our peoples and economies,” he said.

The Philippines is expected to host the 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting in Manila in October, where member states will review progress on regional initiatives aimed at enhancing energy security, strengthening resilience, and supporting a secure, accessible, affordable, and sustainable energy future.

DOE seeks input on tender rules for new nuclear power plants in the Philippines

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MW Mosqueda
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Artist's rendetion.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has opened for public comment a proposed framework that will govern the tender of nuclear power generation capacity, including the procurement process for new nuclear power plants in the Philippines.

In a notice, the DOE invited interested parties to submit comments and recommendations on the proposed Department Circular titled “Guidelines for the Conduct of the Nuclear Power Generation Capacity Tender for the Nuclear Power Plant and Succeeding Nuclear Power Plants.”

The agency said comments should be submitted using a prescribed template and addressed to Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Patrick T. Aquino. Stakeholders have until June 30, 2026 to submit their recommendations.

The proposed circular marks another step in the government’s efforts to establish the regulatory and commercial framework needed to introduce commercially operating nuclear power into the country’s power mix.

The circular will cover the conduct of the Nuclear Power Generation Capacity Tender, which will apply to new nuclear power projects and future nuclear facilities in the Philippines.

The Philippines is exploring nuclear energy as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen energy security, diversify power sources, and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.

The government has been laying the groundwork for a potential nuclear power program through policy development, capacity building and cooperation with international partners.

The country previously built the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in Morong, Bataan, but the facility never operated commercially.

The DOE has previously said nuclear energy could play a role in meeting the country’s growing electricity demand while supporting efforts to build a low-carbon and more resilient energy system.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has backed the development of a civilian nuclear energy program, while the government continues to work with international organizations and partner countries on regulatory readiness, safety standards and workforce development.

The latest consultation comes as the DOE advances preparations for the potential deployment of nuclear power technologies in the Philippines, including both conventional nuclear plants and emerging small modular reactor technologies.

Jollibee powers Cebu commissary with 99% renewable energy through First Gen partnership

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MW Mosqueda
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Jollibee First Gen

Jollibee Foods Corp. said its largest production facility in the Visayas-Mindanao region is now running on electricity sourced 99% from renewable energy under a partnership with First Gen Corp., as the restaurant giant expands efforts to reduce emissions across its manufacturing operations.

The Danao commissary in Cebu combines rooftop solar power and geothermal energy, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 70%, according to the statement.

The facility sources part of its electricity requirements from a rooftop solar system installed and operated by First Gen, while also receiving geothermal power through a direct supply arrangement with the Lopez-led energy company.

The Danao commissary, inaugurated in January 2026, serves as a production hub for several Jollibee Group brands in the Visayas and Mindanao, including Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Red Ribbon, and Burger King.

The site has more than 3,900 rooftop solar photovoltaic panels with a total capacity of 2.8 megawatt-peak. It also receives 1,000 kilowatts of geothermal energy from First Gen’s Bac-Man geothermal power plant.

The project highlights growing interest among Philippine manufacturers in renewable energy solutions that can lower emissions, improve operational resilience and reduce exposure to fossil fuel price volatility.

The Danao rooftop solar project was fully operational before the site’s official inauguration. Jollibee said the project forms part of its Joy for Tomorrow global sustainability agenda, which covers energy and water consumption, waste reduction and recycling across its manufacturing and logistics operations.

Mark Malabanan, vice president and head of solar and commercial business development at First Gen Energy Solutions, said the Danao solar installation was among the fastest in the industry, with preparation work starting in September 2025 and initial energization completed by mid-January 2026.

The Cebu project builds on an earlier partnership between Jollibee and First Gen. In 2023, Jollibee tapped First Gen to install 17,000 solar panels with more than 9 megawatts of capacity at commissaries and distribution sites in Parañaque and Laguna. Those projects were completed in 2024.

First Gen also supplies Jollibee Group with a total of 11 megawatts of electricity for its manufacturing and logistics hubs nationwide.

First Gen has been expanding its renewable energy supply arrangements with corporate customers as more industrial users seek cleaner power sources and more stable electricity costs.

SunAsia, VinEnergo to invest $416 million in 422-MWp floating solar projects

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MW Mosqueda
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Floating solar
Photo by Fatih PAÇ on Unsplash.

Philippine renewable energy developer SunAsia Energy has partnered with Vietnam’s VinEnergo to develop three floating solar projects worth $416 million, adding 422 megawatt-peak (MWp) of renewable energy capacity to the country’s growing clean energy pipeline.

The projects, located in Pampanga and Negros Occidental, are expected to be among the first large-scale pile-mounted solar-on-water developments in the Philippines and form part of the government’s broader push to increase the share of renewable energy in the power generation mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

SunAsia Chief Executive Officer Maria Theresa Cruz-Capellan said the three projects have secured contracts under the fourth Green Energy Auction (GEA-4) program.

One of the projects is scheduled to begin commercial operations in May 2027, while the remaining two are expected to come online in 2028.

The developments will involve the installation of nearly 700,000 solar panels mounted on concrete pile structures above water areas, allowing aquaculture and fishpond activities to continue beneath and around the facilities.

Electricity generated by the projects will be delivered to the grid through approximately 62 kilometers of new transmission lines connecting the facilities in Pampanga and Negros Occidental.

Capellan said the projects will be financed through a combination of equity and debt, with VinEnergo taking a larger share of the investment while SunAsia retains majority ownership.

“We are still the majority. But in terms of sharing of investment, they’re the majority,” Capellan said.

She said VinEnergo was attracted by SunAsia’s experience in developing large-scale floating solar facilities in the Philippines.

The partnership builds on SunAsia’s growing presence in the floating solar sector. The company is jointly developing a 1.3-gigawatt floating solar project in Laguna Lake with Singapore-based Blueleaf Energy, which is backed by Macquarie’s Green Investment Group.

Valued at more than $1.2 billion, the Laguna Lake development is expected to become one of the world’s largest floating solar projects once completed.

SunAsia has also secured the largest allocation of floating solar projects awarded under GEA-4, with 13 projects totaling 949 MW of capacity.

Capellan said the collaboration highlights the potential of combining renewable energy generation with aquaculture activities.

“Vietnam is one of the world’s leading shrimp exporters, while the Philippines has a strong history in shrimp production. By bringing together the experience, technology, and commitment of both countries, this partnership presents a compelling case for integrated solar-aquaculture farming from both a farm productivity and energy cost perspective,” she said.

The companies said the projects are designed to maximize the productive use of water-based areas while generating clean electricity and supporting local economic activity.

ERC rules aim to ease grid bottlenecks for renewable energy projects

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MW Mosqueda
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ERC NGCP

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has adopted new rules allowing entities other than the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to finance and construct certain transmission facilities, a move aimed at accelerating the integration of renewable energy projects and other new power plants into the national grid.

The rules, contained in ERC Resolution No. 18, Series of 2026, establish the implementing framework for the development, ownership and operation of point-to-point limited transmission facilities, as well as the financing and construction of transmission projects by entities other than the country’s transmission network provider.

The ERC said the measure is designed to address transmission infrastructure delays that have slowed the connection of new generation facilities to the grid, including renewable energy projects that require new transmission lines and substations before they can deliver electricity to consumers.

Under the framework, qualified generation companies may finance and construct Associated Transmission Projects (ATPs) identified by the Department of Energy (DOE). These projects include transmission facilities directly linked to new power plants and needed to connect them to the grid.

Meanwhile, the National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) may undertake Priority Projects or engage government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, and private entities to construct such projects on its behalf pursuant to DOE Circular No. DC 2026-02-0007.

The projects covered by the rules include new transmission lines, substations, switchyards and other facilities needed to accommodate additional generation capacity and strengthen the country’s transmission network.

“Reliable and adequate transmission infrastructure is essential to ensuring that electricity generated by new power plants actually reaches Filipino homes and businesses,” ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Francis Saturnino C. Juan said.

Juan said the implementing rules provide a clear regulatory pathway for critical transmission projects to be completed more quickly while maintaining transparency, accountability and consumer protection.

“For consumers, this means helping bring more power supply into the grid, reducing bottlenecks, supporting the integration of renewable energy, and ultimately contributing to a more secure, reliable and affordable electricity system,” he said.

The Philippines is seeking to accelerate renewable energy development as it works toward increasing the share of renewables in the power generation mix.

However, industry stakeholders have repeatedly identified transmission constraints as one of the biggest challenges facing the sector, with several projects requiring new grid infrastructure before reaching commercial operation.

The ERC said the new rules also establish terms governing project approvals, construction timelines, facility turnover to the transmission network provider and the recovery of project costs.

The regulator will retain authority to review the prudency of project expenditures and determine the fair and reasonable value of transmission projects before allowing any cost recovery mechanism.

According to the ERC, the measure supports broader government efforts to strengthen energy security, accelerate the country’s energy transition and ensure the timely integration of new generation capacity needed to meet rising electricity demand.

DOE seeks feedback on EV charging rules as Philippines prepares for cleaner transport future

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MW Mosqueda
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The Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking industry feedback on proposed rules to streamline the permitting and installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, as the Philippines accelerates efforts to build the infrastructure needed to support cleaner transport and rising electricity demand.

The DOE is holding a third round of consultations on the proposed framework, which aims to simplify permitting procedures for charging station developers and implement installation requirements under the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA).

The move comes as the government pushes to expand the country’s EV ecosystem and develop the charging infrastructure needed to support wider adoption of electric vehicles, a key component of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector.

Industry participants have identified charging infrastructure as one of the biggest challenges to EV adoption, alongside vehicle affordability and consumer awareness.

The proposed rules are expected to provide clearer guidelines for the installation of charging facilities in commercial establishments, buildings and other locations covered by EVIDA, while helping reduce administrative bottlenecks faced by charging station developers.

The expansion of EV charging infrastructure is also expected to create new opportunities for power distributors, renewable energy developers and operators of solar-powered charging facilities as demand for electricity from the transport sector increases.

The growth of electric mobility could contribute to higher electricity consumption in the coming years, reinforcing the need for additional generation capacity, grid upgrades and energy storage systems to support future charging networks.

The development underscores the growing convergence between the power and transport sectors, with policymakers viewing electric mobility as an important pillar of the country’s broader energy transition strategy.

Under EVIDA, certain buildings and parking facilities are required to allocate dedicated parking spaces for electric vehicles and install charging stations, while government agencies are tasked with supporting the development of a nationwide charging network.

The DOE said the latest consultation would allow local government units, utilities, charging operators, property developers and other stakeholders to submit comments before the rules are finalized.

The Philippines has been ramping up efforts to promote cleaner energy use and reduce dependence on imported fuels, with the government seeking to increase the share of renewable energy in the power generation mix while encouraging the adoption of low-carbon transport technologies.

Natural gas auction rules to complement renewable energy growth, DOE says

By
MW Mosqueda
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The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued rules governing the conduct of a mid-merit natural gas capacity auction, as the Philippines seeks to strengthen energy security and support the integration of renewable energy into the country’s power system.

Under Department Circular No. DC2026-06-0013, signed by Energy Secretary Sharon Garin and seen by Renewable Energy Philippines, the DOE prescribed the policy framework and implementing guidelines for the Mid-Merit Natural Gas Capacity Auction (MMNGCA), a mechanism designed to procure additional natural gas-fired generating capacity through a competitive process.

The department said the policy is intended to “provide a transparent, competitive and reliable mechanism for the procurement of mid-merit natural gas-fired power generation capacity” and promote investments in natural gas infrastructure while ensuring adequate electricity supply.

The circular forms part of the government’s broader energy transition strategy, under which natural gas has been identified as a transition fuel that can complement the increasing share of variable renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

According to the DOE, the policy seeks to ensure the “availability of adequate, reliable, and affordable power supply” while facilitating the development of the country’s natural gas industry.

The department has previously said that indigenous and imported natural gas will play an important role in the country’s energy mix, particularly as the Philippines works toward achieving a renewable energy share of 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

Mid-merit generating plants generally operate during periods of intermediate electricity demand and provide operational flexibility to the grid by adjusting output in response to changing supply and demand conditions.

Such flexibility is increasingly viewed as important as more intermittent renewable energy projects are connected to the transmission system.

The circular provides the framework for the conduct of the auction and outlines the responsibilities of various government agencies and participating entities involved in the procurement process.

The DOE said the auction mechanism aims to encourage investments in natural gas-fired power generation through a competitive and transparent market-based approach.

The policy is also intended to support the implementation of the Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Plan, which seeks to establish a sustainable and competitive natural gas industry capable of enhancing the country’s energy security and economic growth.

The department noted that the development of natural gas resources and infrastructure is expected to contribute to a more diversified energy portfolio while supporting the country’s transition toward a lower-carbon energy system.

The issuance of the circular comes as the Philippines continues to expand renewable energy capacity through the Green Energy Auction Program and other policy initiatives designed to accelerate investments in solar, wind, hydro and geothermal projects.

As renewable energy penetration increases, policymakers have identified the need for flexible and dispatchable generation resources that can help balance fluctuations in power supply and maintain grid stability.

The DOE has described natural gas as a transition fuel that can provide such balancing capability while supporting the country’s broader decarbonization objectives.

The circular takes effect following its publication and provides the regulatory framework for the conduct of future Mid-Merit Natural Gas Capacity Auctions, which the DOE expects will contribute to a secure, reliable and resilient energy system while complementing the growth of renewable energy in the Philippines.

Novva enters Philippines with acquisition of 120-MW Bukidnon solar project

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MW Mosqueda
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Novva Group
NOVVA Group CEO Steven Liu (left) and Mabuhay Power Holdings Corporation Chairman Sherwin Hing (right) sign the agreement for SJSP.

Singapore-based Novva Group has agreed to acquire the 120-megawatt (MW) San Jose Solar Power Plant in Bukidnon from Mabuhay Power Holdings Corporation, marking the energy infrastructure firm’s first investment in the Philippines as it expands its renewable energy platform across Southeast Asia.

The greenfield solar photovoltaic project, located in Barangay San Jose in the municipality of Quezon, Bukidnon, is expected to generate more than 200 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually once operational. Construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027, with commercial operations targeted for 2028.

The Philippines is seeking to increase the share of renewable energy in its power generation mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040, with the government encouraging greater private and foreign investment in the sector to strengthen energy security and support economic growth.

The investment comes as electricity demand across Asia is expected to rise alongside the expansion of data centres, cloud computing and artificial intelligence applications, increasing the need for new power generation capacity.

Novva said the Bukidnon project would become part of its regional energy platform, which combines renewable generation, battery energy storage, grid connectivity and infrastructure financing to support long-term electricity demand across Southeast Asia.

“Power availability has become one of the defining constraints on future growth,” Novva founder and chief executive Steven Liu said in a statement.

“With SJSP, we are securing the strategic infrastructure needed to support the next wave of industrial and digital development. By combining disciplined execution with long-term partnerships, Novva is building a reliable clean energy foundation to power the future of Southeast Asia,” Liu added.

The project is expected to contribute to the Philippines’ renewable energy ambitions while adding clean power capacity to Mindanao, where electricity demand continues to grow alongside industrial and digital development.

Novva said the Bukidnon acquisition forms part of its broader strategy to build renewable energy infrastructure across Southeast Asia and Latin America to meet rising long-term electricity demand.

PH-listed ACEN to sell up to 49% stake in India solar project to Diamond India Renewables

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MW Mosqueda
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0

Philippine-listed ACEN Corp said it has agreed to sell up to a 49% stake in an Indian solar project to Diamond India Renewables One B.V., as the Ayala-led energy company continues to bring in partners to fund the expansion of its renewable energy portfolio.

ACEN said in a stock exchange filing that its subsidiary Unlimited Renewables Holdings B.V. and Amsa Solar Holdco Pte. Ltd., an entity under ACEN’s joint venture with UPC Renewables for India projects, executed a Securities Subscription and Purchase Agreement and a Shareholders’ Agreement with Diamond India Renewables One B.V. for the transaction.

The deal involves the acquisition by Diamond India Renewables of up to a 49% interest in Tejorupa Renewables India Project Private Ltd., which is developing a 250-megawatt alternating current solar power project in Rajasthan, India.

The transaction will be completed in stages, with the investor initially acquiring a 10% voting interest in Tejorupa, ACEN said. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The closing of the transaction remains subject to agreed contractual and customary conditions precedent, according to the filing.

The transaction is the latest in ACEN’s strategy of partnering with long-term investors to recycle capital and support the development of its renewable energy pipeline across Asia-Pacific markets.

India has emerged as one of ACEN’s priority overseas growth markets through its partnership with UPC Renewables, with the company investing in utility-scale solar and wind projects to tap the country’s rapidly growing demand for clean energy.

ACEN, the listed energy platform of the Ayala group, has been expanding its renewable energy portfolio in the Philippines and overseas as it works toward its target of building one of the region’s largest clean energy platforms.

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