PH Set to Reveal GEA-3 Winners, Eyes ASEAN Energy Role

The Department of Energy (DOE) is expected to announce the results of the third Green Energy Auction (GEA-3) by early next week, signaling a major boost for the Philippines’ renewable energy targets and regional influence in Southeast Asia.

According to DOE Undersecretary Rowena Guevara, the final list of winning bidders is awaiting the energy secretary’s approval, following the February 11 auction that drew intense competition among top energy developers.

The GEA-3 sought to award 4,650 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity, including 300 MW from impounding hydropower, 4,250 MW from pumped-storage hydropower, and 100 MW from geothermal sources.

Total bids reached approximately 7,500 MW, far exceeding the auction’s target and reflecting heightened investor confidence in the Philippine energy sector.

“Investor turnout is a strong vote of confidence in our green energy roadmap,” Guevara said, adding that the high level of interest aligns with the country’s broader shift to sustainable and resilient power sources.

Qualified bidders included major industry players such as subsidiaries of First Gen Corp. and San Miguel Corp., who are competing for long-term contracts to supply clean energy under the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP).

The GEAP, launched by the DOE in 2021, aims to accelerate the development of renewable energy projects by providing transparent and competitive pricing mechanisms through public auctions.

Under the GEAP, energy supply contracts are awarded to developers offering the lowest tariffs, subject to DOE-set ceiling prices and technical qualifications.

The GEA-3 builds on the momentum of its predecessors, with GEA-1 and GEA-2 having awarded over 3,400 MW in combined renewable capacity to solar and wind developers nationwide.

The strong market response to GEA-3 positions the Philippines to exceed its near-term energy targets and fulfill its National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) goals, which include a 35 percent renewable energy share by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

Beyond national targets, the Philippines is preparing to assume the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, with energy cooperation at the forefront of its regional agenda.

The DOE has been actively lobbying for regional integration through the ASEAN Power Grid, a strategic initiative to link electricity networks across member states to enhance supply security, reduce costs, and support the transition to low-carbon energy.

“The upcoming GEA-3 results, combined with our ASEAN leadership role, mark a critical moment for our energy future—domestically and regionally,” Guevara noted.

As the country strengthens its renewable energy portfolio, it also positions itself as a regional leader in clean energy policy and cross-border power collaboration.