DOE eases process for projects to get priority

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) is streamlining the application process of energy projects worth billions of pesos, particularly those that are aspiring to be certified as an “energy project of national significance” or EPNS.

This is being done through Department Order No 2024-04-0003, which “redefines, revises and redesigns” the framework and procedures for EPNS certification, which was first instituted in 2017 when Executive Order No. 30 was issued that year.

EO30 created a DOE-led Energy Investment Coordinating Council, which was expected to implement streamlined regulatory procedures—especially related to permits—that affect projects that fit into a set of criteria to be identified and certified as EPNS.

The revisions under the latest DOE order provides for “automatic qualification” for EPNS status to renewable projects that are eligible under the feed-in-tariff or FIT scheme, have secured contracts to supply cleaner energy via the DOE’s Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), or those selected pursuant to other policies and programs of the agency.

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The FIT and GEAP are some of the schemes introduced by the energy department to accelerate the use of renewable energy in the country.

The provision also applies to planned power facilities that support transition goals, as provided in the Philippine Energy Plan or other plans, programs and policies of the DOE.

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EO 30 of 2017 states that an energy project is nationally significant if it has the following significant attributes—capital investment of at least P3.5 billion, contribution to the country’s economic development, consequential economic impact, contribution to the country’s balance of payment, impact to the environment, complex technical processes and/or engineering designs and infrastructure requirement. —Jordeene B. Lagare