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Saturday, July 12, 2025

Big leap forward for green energy

“The DOE deserves a pat in the back for not only seeing this through, but acting with dispatch and a firm hand in achieving freedom from fossil fuels”

Don’t look now, but the Department of Energy is going full throttle with green energy initiatives aimed at lessening our dependence on fossil fuels that’s been blamed for global climate change.

The DOE’s recent Third Green Energy Auction (GEA 3) leaves no doubt the Philippines can achieve at least—or perhaps more— than 30 percent renewable energy status before target completion by the end of the term of President Marcos Jr. in 2028 or even earlier.

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The GEA 3 has opened the gates that would unleash a massive 6,677.2 MW of combined electricity generated from hydro-electric power projects and geothermal power plants to the nation’s electric grids.

A closer look at the GEA 3 participants would show high interest in RE that speaks volumes about the determined bid of the current administration to raise the ante in the green energy game.

Among the winning bidders in the DOE’s GEA-3 are major players in pumped-storage and hydroelectric development. There’s Olympia Violago Water and Power, Inc. which 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.

Meanwhile, Pan Pacific Renewable Power Phils. 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. At the same time, 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 800 MW San Roque West facilities in Itogon, Benguet, and the 250 MW Aklan Pumped-Storage Project in Malay, Aklan.

Energy Development Corporation 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.

To describe the GEA 3 projects as impressive is an understatement. More than impressive, they’re life-changing and a major paradigm shift.

At the rate the mad dash to secure approval for green energy projects is going, we’re getting closer to attaining energy security, thanks to the unwavering support of the Marcos Jr. administration and the DOE’s timely moves to implement the president’s marching orders.

All this tells us at a glance what’s in store for the future of the Philippine energy sector, a future free of polluting fuels, safe for the environment and offering ample opportunities for massive job creation.

Much like eco warriors now leading the nation’s quest for sustained and affordable renewable energy, investors have heeded the DOE call, recognizing it as unprecedented in its ability to deliver tangible results.

With the DOE confirming the acceptance by these energy companies of the notice of awards of their respective RE projects, the road to cleaner energy has become clearer and much smoother.

The GEA’s true value lies not just in the megawatts it procures, but in its ability to untangle the systemic issues that must be addressed for the Philippines to achieve a truly green and just energy future.

These projects are a big leap forward and no doubt change the energy landscape in the country completely in consumers’ favor.

The DOE deserves a pat in the back for not only seeing this through, but acting with dispatch and a firm hand in achieving freedom from fossil fuels.

The DOE is confident that RE can eventually take over the energy sector. The RE dream is coming true and at this rate, sooner than later. This leaves the agency truly believe that converting non-believers in RE to faithful followers is just a matter of time.

The DOE should be commended for its clear and intense focus on turning the goal of a fossil-fuel-free Philippines from dream to reality. It’s about time, if you ask us. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

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