DOE says 128.9 MW RE capacity now online

Five renewable energy projects with a combined 128.9 megawatts are now operational as of April 17, 2026, marking early progress in the Department of Energy’s push to bring 25 renewable energy and energy storage projects online by the end of the month.

The newly operational projects are the 20.6 MW Hermosa Solar Power Project of Solana Solar Alpha Inc., the 17.5 MW Taft Solar Power Project of Taft Solar Energy Corp., the 8 MW Biomass Cogeneration Plant expansion project of Central Azucarera de San Antonio, the 52.8 MW Cordon Solar Power Project of Greenergy For Global, Inc., and the 30 MW Arayat 3A Solar Power Project of Citicore Solar Pampanga 1, Inc.

These projects form part of 25 renewable energy and energy storage projects with a combined capacity of around 1,471 MW targeted for operation by April 2026, as the DOE moves to accelerate new supply entering the grid.

The DOE said the early entry of the five projects reflects its continuing efforts to speed up committed capacity to support domestic supply reliability, reinforce reserve margins and help meet rising electricity demand.

The remaining 20 projects have advanced into the final phases of grid integration and are still targeted for operation by April 2026.

The 25 projects also form part of the 200 power plants that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the DOE to fast-track over the next three years in his fourth State of the Nation Address to accelerate the delivery of additional power supply across the country.

To help ensure the timely completion of the remaining projects, the DOE said it is maintaining direct and sustained coordination with the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, the Energy Regulatory Commission and the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines to address outstanding transmission, interconnection, inspection, registration and metering requirements and prevent avoidable delays in commercial operations.

“We commend the developers and all concerned agencies for moving these projects forward with urgency,” Secretary Garin said.

“Every renewable energy project brought online strengthens our path toward energy independence, reduces our exposure to imported fuel volatility, and helps secure a cleaner and more resilient power system. At a time of continuing volatility arising from the developments in the Middle East, fast-tracking our country’s renewable energy capacity is a critical strategic action to protect the Filipino people and the Philippine economy.”

The DOE said it will continue to closely monitor the progress of these projects and sustain close coordination with power sector stakeholders to ensure additional capacity is delivered to the grid in line with technical, safety and regulatory standards.

In a virtual press conference on April 20, DOE officials said the newly operational 128.9 MW adds to the country’s available power supply as more renewable energy facilities move closer to full commercial operations.

Officials said several solar projects are already delivering electricity to the grid while still undergoing testing and commissioning, even before reaching full operational capacity.

“These are already delivering power to the grid, although they are not yet at full capacity,” said Mario Marasigan, DOE undersecretary, during the briefing.

Among the projects now injecting power into the grid are the Bugallon Solar Power Project and Terra Solar, with the latter currently supplying around 250 MW out of its approved capacity.

Marasigan said more projects are expected to add supply as they move closer to full operations.

“So these are the projects that we have online… that includes those that are already providing energy to the grid and as well as those that are just awaiting the final certificates,” he said.

The DOE added that multiple projects remain in the final stages of development, with several still awaiting key approvals such as the Final Certificate of Approval to Connect and Certificate of Compliance before reaching full commercial operations.

Looking ahead, the agency said it is working with the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines to expand the capacity of the Terra Solar project, potentially increasing its allowed capacity from 364 MW to 750 MW.

The developments come as the government continues to push renewable energy integration into the grid to help meet growing electricity demand and reduce the country’s vulnerability to fuel supply shocks.