RE projects charge ahead

The government has so far approved a total of 31 renewable energy (RE) projects and more are being processed, the Department of Energy (DOE) said.

The combined capacity of up and running projects has already reached 2,937.06 megawatts (MW). Including facilities that have yet to be constructed, the potential capacity could reach 4,517.48 MW.

Meanwhile, 255 other projects—with a potential capacity of 4,517.48 MW—are still being processed for approval.

Beginning 2014, RE has become the fastest growing sub-sector in the energy sector. Solar power development was especially strong, outshining other technologies in terms of project roll-outs and contract offtakers.

The Philippines’ RE capacity is seen to reach 15,304 MW by 2030.

DOE director for the Renewable Energy Management Bureau Mario C. Marasigan said developers seeking allocations on guaranteed rates under the feed-in-tariff (FIT) system must follow a tight schedule approved by DOE. Riza T. Olchondra