DOE: No total ban on developing coal plants in PH

There is no total ban on developing coal-fired power plants in the Philippines, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).

In a statement, the DOE’s Electric Power Industry Management Bureau clarified a moratorium made in 2020 that disallowed the construction of greenfield or new coal-fired power projects to reduce carbon emissions and transition the country into more environment-friendly fuels.

READ: Coal-fired generators still Philippines’ top source of electricity

It said the ban excluded existing and operational coal-fired power generation facilities that have already made commitments for expansion.

Indicative power projects with substantial accomplishments, particularly those with signed and notarized land acquisition or lease agreements, approved permits or resolutions from local government units and the Regional Development Council where the power plants will be located, are also exempt from the moratorium.

‘Reassuring feeling’

The DOE would have to issue a certification that a project is not covered by the moratorium at the request of the project proponent after conducting a thorough review and verification.

“Several proponents of coal-fired power projects have requested the DOE’s confirmation on noncoverage and these were ministerially issued after verification,” it added.

The power bureau issued a clarification following “allegations of arbitrariness” in providing such certifications. It described such allegations as “unfounded.”

READ: PH defends coal use in power mix

“Diversification of energy sources is critical to energy security. Unfortunately, we get pilloried for favoring solar and wind over coal and get charged for favoring coal over renewable energy. This leaves us with a reassuring feeling that we are getting the damn thing right,” the statement read, quoting Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla.

He previously said the DOE would retain a healthy mix of fuel sources to fill a supply gap usually experienced during the power-hungry summer months. A total of 4,000 megawatts through a combination of renewable energy and conventional power plants is expected to go online this year, he said.

As of 2023, coal-fired power plants remained the leading source of energy in the country with a share of 43.9 percent. Renewable energy facilities followed with a 29.7-percent share.

Despite the continued dominance of coal plants, the government is targeting to raise the renewable energy share in the power mix to 35 percent by 2030, then increasing it to 50 percent by 2040.