DOE backs Wawa pumped-storage hydro for energy transition

Department of Energy – Renewable Energy Management Bureau (DOE-REMB) officials say the 600 MW Wawa Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Project could play a pivotal role in the Philippines’ energy transition and local development.

Ariel Fronda, Officer-in-Charge of the Hydropower & Ocean Energy Management Division under DOE-REMB, said, “Bakit tayo nagkakaroon ng pumped storage? Ang Department of Energy, ang target papunta na tayo doon sa energy transition. Ibig sabihin noon, ‘yung dependency natin sa mga fossil fuels, sa coal or oil-based power plants ay unti-unti na nating papalitan ng mga renewable energy resources.”

Fronda made his remarks during the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on July 31 in Antipolo City to establish a Multipartite Monitoring Team (MMT) for the Wawa project.

He highlighted that host local governments stand to gain long-term benefits, citing past experiences: “’Yung benepisyong matatanggap ninyo, malaki ang maitutulong sa inyo lalong lalo na sa pag-develop o progress ng inyong lugar o ng barangay… lahat ng napuntahan kong may power plants o energy projects, lahat iyan ay umasenso ang mga local government units.”

He added that part of these local benefits is ensured through Energy Regulations No. 1-94, which requires developers to allocate PHP 0.01 per kilowatt-hour of total electricity sales to host communities.

Fronda commended Olympia Violago Water and Power Inc. (OVWPI), a Prime Infra subsidiary, for aligning with both national and local energy objectives: “Ang nakakatuwa ay open kayo sa ganiyang development… kami naman sa national, Department of Energy, ‘yan kasi ang aming mandato na magkaroon tayo ng affordable, accessible source of energy,” noting OVWPI’s compliance with regulatory requirements.

The Wawa pumped storage project is designed to deliver 6,000 MWh of daily energy storage and ancillary grid services, enabling dispatch of variable renewable energy by storing excess power—such as midday solar output—and releasing it when generation falls. Operations are targeted by 2030.

Additional context: The project has been designated a Certificate of Energy Project of National Significance and received Green Lane endorsement, streamlining permits and regulatory clearances. It carries a US \$2.57 billion investment and is expected to operate through 2064.

The Wawa facility integrates with the Upper Wawa Dam—a component of Prime Infra’s Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project—forming a combined water and energy infrastructure complex that addresses both energy storage and water supply needs in Metro Manila and Rizal.

The newly formed Multipartite Monitoring Team will actively engage local stakeholders in ensuring environmental and social safeguards throughout the project’s development.