Gov’t bidding out coal contracts in October

The Department of Energy is set to bid out by October contracts for the exploration and development of highly prospective coal areas.

Energy Undersecretary Jose M. Layug Jr. told reporters that preparations were already ongoing for the planned bidding. The DOE, he said, was expected to finalize the coal blocks to be auctioned off by Sept. 14. This means the Philippine Energy Contracting Round (PECR) for coal can be launched within the first week of October.

Layug said the DOE was planning to bid out four to five contracts, but would consider increasing the number if warranted.

Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras earlier said the government would definitely push through with coal contracts bidding within the year.

“We want to make it a good offering. We already have a few areas that are clear from opposition. Before, we had three areas (up for auction), but I want to have more areas,” he said.

The PECR 4 for coal follows the successful launch of the PECR 4 for oil and gas on June 30, when contracts to develop 15 prospective petroleum blocks were offered to local and foreign investors.

The PECR 4 provides for a transparent and competitive system of bidding for the country’s onshore and offshore resource blocks (coal, petroleum and geothermal). Under this process, the DOE would determine the winning bidders based on specific technical, legal and financial criteria. Amy R. Remo