DOE secures 10 GW of clean energy nationwide

The Department of Energy (DOE) has secured over 10 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity through the fourth round of its Green Energy Auction (GEA-4), marking a major milestone in the Philippines’ clean energy transition.

The GEA-4 attracted 123 winning bidders, reflecting one of the strongest investment responses since the auction program was launched in 2022.

The DOE hailed the results as a sign that renewable energy development has moved from pilot-phase experimentation to “mainstream growth.”

Unlike earlier rounds that focused primarily on solar and wind, GEA-4 included floating solar arrays and integrated renewable energy-plus-storage systems to help stabilize the national grid.

Renewable developers submitted project proposals spanning Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, with significant floating solar capacity planned in Laguna Lake, Pampanga, and Negros.

New onshore wind installations are also set to rise in Quezon, Sorsogon, and parts of the central Visayas region.

In total, the DOE awarded 10,195 megawatts (MW) of capacity, representing 96 percent of its installation target.

The awarded capacity includes 4,179 MW of ground-mounted solar, 2,518 MW of onshore wind, 2,284 MW of floating solar, 1,189 MW of hybrid renewable-plus-storage systems, and 25 MW of rooftop solar.

The inclusion of rooftop solar installations aims to expand clean energy adoption in urban and commercial areas.

Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said the outcome demonstrates the country’s accelerating progress toward energy security and climate resilience.

He emphasized that renewable energy is now seen as “cost-competitive, reliable, and scalable.”

The DOE noted that regulatory reforms—including streamlined permitting and improved grid-access protocols—helped increase investor confidence in this year’s auction.

Winning developers must submit compliance documents by December 6, including system impact studies, interconnection agreements, and proof of financing.

Only then will the DOE finalize and execute renewable energy contracts with the selected bidders.

The DOE said these new renewable capacities are essential to achieving the national targets of 35 percent renewable energy in the power mix by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

With the Philippines’ total installed generation capacity reaching over 30 GW in 2024, the addition of 10 GW from GEA-4 will significantly shift the energy mix toward clean sources.

Officials added that incorporating hybrid systems and energy storage will strengthen grid stability and reliability, especially during peak demand and variable weather.

The 1,189 MW awarded to hybrid projects highlights growing recognition that renewable generation must be paired with battery or pumped-hydro systems.

This trend supports the DOE’s broader push to modernize the grid and enable greater renewable penetration.

Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara said GEA-4 is a strong signal that the private sector is aligned with national decarbonization goals.

She noted that “each auction round is becoming more competitive,” which helps bring down prices for consumers and ensures supply diversity.

The DOE will monitor project implementation closely to ensure timely delivery and compliance with agreed timelines and quality standards.

The Green Energy Auction Program was first introduced under the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 and scaled up to fast-track commitments under the National Renewable Energy Program.

GEA-1 and GEA-2 focused on more traditional solar and wind investments, while GEA-3 tested emerging models including offshore wind and small-scale hydro.

With GEA-4, the department widened the scope to floating solar and hybrid storage systems, which offer new solutions for land-constrained areas and grid intermittency.

The DOE also sees floating solar as a key strategy for expanding capacity without displacing agricultural land or urban space.

Laguna Lake alone has an estimated technical potential of over 5 GW for floating solar installations, according to government estimates.

The projects secured in GEA-4 are expected to generate thousands of jobs during construction and contribute to long-term energy affordability.

The DOE reiterated that public-private partnerships will be essential in driving investment toward clean technologies and achieving climate targets.

It also encouraged local governments and communities to support renewable infrastructure as a path toward inclusive and sustainable development.

Energy planners believe that accelerating renewable energy deployment will reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and shield the economy from global fuel price shocks.

The Philippines currently relies on coal and oil for about 58 percent of its electricity generation, according to 2023 DOE data.

Increasing the renewable share in the mix will help mitigate carbon emissions and support the country’s international commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Secretary Lotilla affirmed that the DOE remains committed to expanding renewable access, reducing carbon intensity, and enhancing the country’s energy independence.

He said the DOE will continue improving auction design and sector coordination to unlock new investment and innovation in the clean energy space.

Future auction rounds are expected to include offshore wind, geothermal, and waste-to-energy projects as the country diversifies its energy portfolio.

The full list of GEA-4 winning bidders will be published on the DOE’s website following the compliance deadline.

These projects will be closely monitored under the Green Energy Auction Program’s performance framework to ensure delivery within prescribed timelines.

The DOE emphasized that long-term policy stability, efficient regulation, and transparent procurement are key to sustaining investor interest and project success.

As the Philippines pushes toward its 2030 and 2040 energy goals, the 10 GW awarded under GEA-4 marks a significant leap toward a more sustainable and resilient power sector.