DOE advances 11,700 MW power and storage pipeline

MANILA — The Department of Energy is advancing almost 10,000 megawatts of additional generation capacity and more than 1,700 megawatts of energy storage through its Task Force for 200 Energy Projects.

The pipeline could help meet rising electricity demand and reduce the risk of supply shortages, but its benefit to consumers will depend on whether the projects are completed on schedule and deliver reliable power at affordable prices.

The capacity figures cover projects being advanced by the task force and do not represent facilities that are already operating.

The initiative forms part of the department’s implementation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s energy priorities following his fifth State of the Nation Address on July 27, 2026. citeturn242996search17turn242996search18

The DOE said the projects are expected to improve grid flexibility and reliability while supporting the growing electricity requirements of households and industries.

Energy storage systems can help the grid absorb power from variable renewable sources, such as solar and wind, and release electricity when demand rises or generation falls.

The President’s energy agenda placed greater emphasis on affordable electricity, stronger energy security, faster development of indigenous and clean energy resources, and greater participation by households in the country’s energy transition.

The DOE said it is prepared to translate those priorities into programs, investments, and legislative reforms intended to benefit consumers, businesses, and future generations.

“The President’s message is clear: every Filipino deserves electricity that is affordable, reliable, and secure. Our task now is to turn that vision into reality through decisive reforms, stronger investments, and sustained collaboration across government and the private sector,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.

The department said its energy-security strategy includes diversified fuel sourcing and strategic petroleum supply management.

The strategy also covers accelerated power generation, expanded energy storage capacity, and continued investment in critical energy infrastructure.

The DOE said these measures are intended to strengthen the country’s resilience and maintain stable energy supplies for households and businesses amid global uncertainty.

The department also cited the continued expansion of renewable energy as part of the administration’s energy program.

The DOE said the government would pursue the further development of indigenous energy resources and the growth of the country’s natural hydrogen program.

The agenda also includes the extension of the Malampaya natural gas project and renewed consideration of nuclear power.

The department said these initiatives form part of a more diversified and future-ready energy mix.

The DOE said a broader mix of domestic energy sources could improve energy independence, support economic growth, and reduce reliance on imported fuels.

The Philippines will also continue pursuing regional cooperation through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Petroleum Security Framework.

The country will support the development of the future ASEAN Power Grid, which seeks to increase electricity connectivity among member states.

The DOE linked the regional initiatives to stronger energy resilience and connectivity across Southeast Asia.

The task force’s pipeline comes as the government monitors committed and indicative private-sector power projects across Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. The DOE’s published project listings distinguish committed developments from indicative proposals that may still face financing, permitting, construction, and transmission-related risks. citeturn242996search2turn242996search10

In a separate statement, the department backed the President’s call for the immediate amendment of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, or EPIRA.

The proposed amendments would focus partly on the treatment of system loss charges passed on to electricity consumers.

System loss refers to electricity that enters a distribution network but is not ultimately billed to customers because of technical losses, authorized utility use, electricity theft, metering problems, and other causes.

The DOE said consumers should not continue to shoulder avoidable losses that utilities can reduce through better infrastructure.

The department cited advanced metering systems, grid upgrades, and digital technologies as tools for lowering system losses.

The DOE also called for stronger operational discipline and improved measures against electricity theft.

The department said any amendment to EPIRA should balance consumer protection and affordability with the need to maintain a financially sound, reliable, and resilient electricity industry.

The DOE said the reforms should continue encouraging investment in modern infrastructure.

The department also called for improved operational efficiency, stronger regulatory oversight, and greater accountability across the electricity value chain.

“The progress we have reached over the past years has laid a strong foundation, but our work is far from over,” Garin said.

She added that the DOE would continue pursuing reforms aimed at making electricity more affordable, strengthening energy security, accelerating clean energy development, and modernizing the country’s energy infrastructure.